Speech Pathology & Twitter


Speech pathology in the twittersphere! Expanding our horizons.

 Twitter
The How To Guide


Millions of people access Twitter each day. Most use Twitter as a source for local and world news updates, to read daily jokes, get up to date on what their friends and their favourite celebrities are doing. Using Twitter at this capacity is exciting, but it can be used for so much more.

Speech pathologists and other professionals world wide are beginning to venture into the social networking realms. Networking catalysis such as Twitter, Linked In and Facebook enable their members to communicate their interests with the world, in a click of the button. Members are able to engage in discussions and share resources with one another. 

Here's what a Speech Pathologist on Twitter had to say...
"I sometimes like to amaze my colleagues by requesting info on twitter we can't find elsewhere- we usually get it & fast!"

So where do I start?
If you don't already have Twitter the first step go to https://twitter.com/  and join up! it really is  simple and requires only a few clicks.

How to use Twitter...
Twitter updates, often called Tweets, are 140 characters or fewer. These are known as “status updates” and can be done by entering your message into “compose message here” box. These updates allow you to share your interests with people all around the world. 

The “Timeframe” is the most valuable feature of Twitter. It is a constant stream of status updates from everyone who you follow. You are able to sit back and read updates you find interesting or reply to any status update.

These messages often contain the following:
Hashtags: The symbol #, is used before relevant keywords in a persons Tweet to categorize those Tweets. Clicking on a hashtagged word in any message shows you all other Tweets in that category. This message with the hashtagged word/s will then be visible to anyone who searches for any of the words hashtagged. You can hashtag as many words within the 140-character limit.

Speech pathologists and other professionals use the hashtag feature as a means to 'group' discussions.
- If you would like to post a question to anyone on twitter add a hashtag before the name of the event or topic e.g. #speechpathology. This allows anyone searching for that topic to reply directly to your status update.
- To search for Hashtags click on #discover at the top of your page.

Useful hashtag searches:
#slpeeps 
# LAK12
#Slpchat 
#Slp2b

A mention is any Twitter update that contains an @username anywhere in the body of the Tweet. To post a tweet with a mention, tweet as you would normally, but replace any names with that persons @username.  This will be visible to anyone who views your wall.  The account of who receive the mention will be able to locate this message by pressing the @connect button at the top of their page. You can “mention” to any one whom you follow, they do not need to be following you back.

Replying to messages in the timeframe
Find the Tweet you want to reply to on Twitter.
- Hover your mouse over their message and click on 'Reply'.

Sending a Direct messages (DM)
These messages are visible between you and your follower who you sent the message to.
- You can only send a DM to people who follow you.
- To do so, click on the person icon (located in the top right hand corner) and select ‘Direct messages’ from the drop down menu. 
- Click the New message button.
 In the address box, type the name or username of the person you wish to send a message to.
- Add your message and click send.
- When you receive a reply, this will be send to the inbox of your direct messages.

Joining a List (or group)
A list is a group of people who have been invited to discuss a common topic.
A list is located on the drop down menu of the person icon (located in the top right hand corner). You can create a list or view your lists or view lists you have joined or have been invited to join. To interact within these discussion groups you must post your updates with the agreed #hashtag of the group.

How to follow someone:
Click the "Follow" button when you see it next to a user's profile photo, on a user's profile page, or in any of the Who to follow suggestions. When you access the timeline, you will see everyone’s status update whom you follow. You can also search for people in the search function. You can unfollow someone at anytime by clicking on their profile and pressing the unfollow button. 

People to follow:
ASHA
@ASHAWeb
The official Twitter feed from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Maggie McGary, online community & social media mgr, usually tweeting.
Rockville, MD · http://www.asha.org 

Worldwide Speech
@Worldwidespeech
Worldwide Speech provides online speech therapy to individuals and schools. Everyone, everywhere deserves the chance to communicate effectively.
Virginia, USA · http://www.worldwidespeech.com 
Lauren

@speechieLO
Aussie Speech Pathologist, working with kids. Mum to a little guy, he's my intensive study in language development. SpeechieLO(at)gmail.com
Sydney, Australia

Dr. Bronwyn Hemsley
@bronwynah
NHMRC Postdoctoral Fellow, http://bronwynah.wordpress.com , Speech Pathologist academic, Tweets are my views not my employer's. Newcastle, NSW Australia · http://www.researcherid.com/rid/A-7427-201 

Becky Wanca
@SpeechTxIdeas
I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist. I have many free therapy ideas and inexpensive materials available on my blog at SpeechTherapyIdeas.com

Special Education
@Education_IEP
Special Education resources for SPED teachers and parents of special needs children with learning disabilities like ADHD, Autism, Aspergers, Dyslexia etc.
Worldwide · http://edusped.com

autismspeaks
@autismspeaks
At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. Call the Autism Response team for help 888-AUTISM2 (US)

iGetItApps
@iGetItApps
i Get It Apps is devoted to making language building apps for children with or without special needs to make them all successful learners.

Stuttering Treatment
@StutteringTx
Non-profit organization that offers treatment to people who stutter and support to their families.

Communicate In Print
@CommInPrint
Tweeting about current affairs from a Speech and Language Therapists' perspective. Visit the blog!

Cynthia
@SpeechCoach1
As a nationally certified speech-language pathologist, my primary goal is to help children and adults improve their communication skills and build confidence!

Jena Casbon
@IndClinician
I'm a Speech-Language Pathologist who teaches fellow physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy providers how to start treating private patients.

Claire Brooks
@clairebrooks
learning, teaching, ed. tech, learning design.....lots more, easily distracted,intrigued, diverted etc.
Albury/Wodonga-Melbourne, Aust

Tanya Coyle
@SLPTanya
School-based S-LP(C). Semi tech-geek; full fledged research & reading geek. PT faculty member. Dabbles in Apps. Co-moderator of @SLPChat.
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada · http://lexicallinguist.wordpress.com/


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Twitter is available on most phones. For iPhones and other smartphones check your app store and download a Twitter app for easy accessibility, it's free!
Twitter can also be accessed through the following link... https://twitter.com/
Go on, give it a go!

For more information on how to use twitter please visit:

Or, watch the following instructional youtube video... 


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If you would like to ask us a question please comment below.


If you’re a speech pathologist on twitter and would like to be added to this page, please list your twitter ID in the comments section.

What are your experiences with Twitter? Perhaps you've discovered a new group or feature. We'd love to hear from you too.  Please comment in the section below. 

3 comments:

  1. If you're looking for Speech Pathology student related posts, try #slp2b

    #slpchat happens semiregularly- SLPs from all over the world get together to chat at an arranged time, there are set topics. See http://slpchat.wordpress.com/

    If you're looking for Aussie SLPs, try the list at @SpeechieLO/slpeeps-downunder.
    Feel free to contact me @SpeechieLO if you'd like to be on the list, or know of people I should add to the list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much speechieLo, your support is greatly appreciated. I've added the lists to the site.

      Delete
  2. Wonderful page, very informative, I shall have to get onto this bandwagon.

    ReplyDelete