Article Review:
Inspiring Learning Outcomes with Twitter in the Kindergarten Classroom.
by K. Walsh (April 10, 2011)
Retrieved from: http://www.emergingedtech.com/2011/04/inspiring-learning-outcomes-with-twitter-in-the-kindergarten-classroom/

This article discusses how social networks such as Twitter can be used in a kindergarten classroom to connect students with authentic learning experiences aligned to learning outcomes.

Blog Post #1
In learning about issues in educational technology I really wanted to understand how all of this information could be used in the kindergarten classroom in which I currently teach.  I could not imagine how effective Twitter would be with my students.  However, after reading this article my view point has changed.  In the article, a group of four kindergarten teachers set up Twitter in hopes of creating a larger community of learners.  In brief, the kindergarten class accessed Twitter to develop a relationship with kindergarten students from across the globe.  In this project, the students created a fictional character in which the two school would write about.  The children used journals in which they recorded their fictional characters adventures and experiences.  Through the project, the students learned about maps, time zones, animals, climates, and daily life from each other.  Through this project, kindergarten students were engaged in authentic experiences which also met learning outcomes.

This project allowed students the opportunities to practice writing, researching, reading, cultural relations, and technology while cover subjects including language arts, science, and social studies.  What an invaluable experience these teachers provided for these students.  This is a perfect example of how 21st century educational technology skills can be used in a kindergarten classroom.