Innovative educators don’t like to waste time. That’s why it is important to remain purposeful when you post and remind others to do the same. Check out the tips below on purposeful posting and see what you think. Anything missing? Anything you with which you disagree? If you like them, share with students, families, or members of your online groups to keep conversations on track.
1-Get Real
By now most people know it’s important not to spread fake news. If something sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. If it supports your beliefs and ideas perfectly, take time to research the other side of the issue. If you’ve learned the "sky is falling,” look for evidence before sending out the warning. Do your research or get your information first-hand, from the source. Make sure what you are sharing is real. These five tips can help.
2-Be Focused
You have something you are excited about and want to share. That’s great, but don’t share it in ten different places all at once. Start by sharing in the one place you are caring about most. Be present there. Personally connect with others. You can’t do this effectively when you post in multiple places at the same time.
3-Serve Others
Think about ways you can serve and support other people. When you do, you will learn in return and also gain insight into helpful techniques for yourself should you need support or guidance.
4-Get Personal
Don’t share that joke, photo, video, meme, or story that everyone else is sharing unless you have personal insights or commentary to add. Melissa Emler, community manager over at #ModernLearners shares this advice, “Try telling a personal story about your work or asking a question.”
5-Link with Intention
Don’t post a bare link. If you have a link you think others will find interesting, take the time to let them know why. In response to someone who posted a link without much explanation as to why, Emler advised that for a group that is based on discussions, a good way to engage is to...start a discussion of your own.
6-Be Aware of the Purpose
Know the purpose of the place you are posting. If it is to your personal account, that goes to being intentional about sharing what it is that supports what you stand for. If you are sharing on a page, group, timeline, or site that is not yours know the guidelines, purpose, and norms and follow them. I If you have a question or problem, try contacting the organizer / moderator / owner to determine what is appropriate.
7-Be Interesting
When you post think beyond what’s in it for you and toward, considering why others would find this interesting.
8-Targeted Promotion, Advertising, or Fundraising
Raising funds and/or promoting your business or cause doesn't mean asking for money or support in every place you can think of. It is rarely effective when there is not a personal connection, outreach and/or relationship between the person asking and the one giving. Rather than making general outreach, make the personal contact. Build relationships. Reach out to only those you know are invested in your cause. You also should check where you are posting because if it is on a page, group, or site, many don't want such posts or if they do, they may request a fee.
Ultimately, remembering that often it is better to give than receive, will go a long way. Be helpful and share your advice, ideas, strategies, and different ways of thinking to others in need. When you do, you will be surprised by how willing others are to be there when you do reach out with that personal request for support or guidance.
Lisa Nielsen writes for and speaks to audiences across the globe about learning innovatively and is frequently covered by local and national media for her views on “Passion (not data) Driven Learning,” "Thinking Outside the Ban" to harness the power of technology for learning, and using the power of social media to provide a voice to educators and students. Ms. Nielsen has worked for more than a decade in various capacities to support learning in real and innovative ways that will prepare students for success. In addition to her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator, Ms. Nielsen’s writing is featured in places such as Huffington Post, Tech & Learning, ISTE Connects, ASCD Wholechild, MindShift, Leading & Learning, The Unplugged Mom, and is the author the book Teaching Generation Text.
Disclaimer: The information shared here is strictly that of the author and does not reflect the opinions or endorsement of her employer.
