#highschoolchat (Let’s help Erin get the student hashtag rolling!)

For a couple of years now, my students doubted me when I passionately shared the many ways Twitter helps me connect and learn.  Those kids who have been exploring real-time search with me are beginning to see it.  And Erin believes.

I’ve been guiding Erin’s recent efforts as a blogger through her independent study with me this semester.  Erin wonders if students could engage in organized hashtag discussions.  So she decided to experiment.

I’ve let her take over this post.  If you have interested students, please feel free to share or re-post with Erin’s blessing.

From Erin:

The time has come for students to talk about our education! It’s time to share what works, to talk about ideas for improvement, to discuss what makes a teacher amazing, a class special, a club important, and a team exceptional.

When browsing Twitter’s endless hash-tags and profiles, it’s plain to see that everyone is talking about education! Teachers and school administrators are, textbook suppliers are, lobbyist organizations are, legislators are.  In this expansive and extensive discussion, one major group is missing!

Students are, without a doubt, the heart and soul of schools. The goal of our educational system is to shape us into thoughtful, responsible, empathetic citizens who are engaged in the world around us.

This brings me to my point: Let’s start engaging now! Let’s start talking about things that matter to every student! Let’s start sharing ideas, for the greater good!

Talking to your friends about school is fine, but telling the world about what changes you want to see in your school can make them happen!

Starting on December 29th, I will post a question of the month using the Twitter profile @TalkaboutHS.

But we can get started right now.  Let’s begin by brainstorming a list of questions that are important to explore.

The hash-tag to join in the discussion is #highschoolchat.  Use it to suggest questions or ideas you think are important to discuss.

Discussions will last a month, with a new question announced the last Thursday of every month.

Sharing ideas suggestions, questions, and issues public school together, in one student public forum, could help us grow an even better high school experience.

Students are encouraged to post as frequently as possible, and parents and teachers are welcome to weigh in. In fact, parents and teachers are encouraged to ask questions of our group.

In order for the discussion to be useful, it must be appropriate, so please follow all rules found on this wiki when you post.

And, by the way, I’m Erin, a junior at Springfield Township High School.  I currently serve on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education as a student representative, and I’m looking for ways to involve as many students as possible in the educational experience.

Filed under: hashtags, students, twitter