The newest frontier in social media-based professional development and networking.
If you’re a teacher, chances are good that you know the importance of collaborating with colleagues. When it comes to planning high-quality learning experiences for students, two brains are better than one…no question.
Now let’s kick it up a notch. If you’re reading this blog post, chances are good that you already know the value of being a connected educator on social media. For many years now, I’ve been a fan of using Twitter and Facebook to connect with other educators and thought-leaders, and the education I’ve received through Twitter Chats and specialized Facebook Groups has been immeasurable. Having the ability to brainstorm ideas, find resources, solicit advice, seek feedback, collaborate with educators and classrooms around the world, and share evidence of student achievements 24/7 has been a game-changer for many teachers I know and is well worth the risk of coming across the occasional conspiracy theory or troll. EduTwitter, especially, has some of the most valuable content. But are you ready to kick it up to notch 3.0? Recently, I’ve become hooked on what I’m calling the next generation of professional learning: Clubhouse.
Clubhouse got its start at the onset of the global pandemic, at a time when people were desperate for safe human connection and easy entertainment. It is an audio-only-based app that’s currently available exclusively to iOS users. The best way I’ve come to describe it to friends who I’m trying to get to drink the Clubhouse Kool-Aid is to think of it as a podcast with which you can participate, professional networking like LinkedIn with audio, a Zoom meeting without cameras turned on, or a TED Talk with live audience interaction. The discussions I’ve been a part of so far have been able to go beyond the limitations of EduTwitter and generate even deeper conversations and more productive connections. With only 280 characters to work with, Twitter threads around complex ideas can often fizzle out due to the lag time between one comment and the next and the all-important details can easily get lost. Clubhouse allows users to connect, question, and clarify so that your point can come across clearly. If Twitter Chats are a thumb-straining flash in the pan, Clubhouse conversations are like a vocal bonfire that will keep you going all through the night.
Popping into Clubhouse “rooms” off of your main landing page, referred to as “the hallway”, can be a fun and informative way to pass the time. Listening to interesting people talk about topics you care about like social justice and equity in school, social-emotional learning, the future of education, technology tips, and more is like getting world-class professional development at no cost. Imagine the world’s biggest EdCamp, with no start or end time, offered every day of the week with no pressure to participate beyond listening. Users can hop between conversations about ideas they’re intrigued by while gaining followers when you speak “on stage”, following other users you appreciate, and clubs that offer topics around advertised topics.
Other chat rooms are like meditation spas, open mic nights, poetry slams, and book readings. On more than one occasion, I’ve even seen rooms comprised of users auditioning to become cast members who would one day recreate the entire Dream Girls musical. In a time when many people feel isolated and overwhelmed, finding like-minded people around the world can be uplifting and reenergizing.
You may be wondering, “So what’s the catch?” As always, the problem comes down to figuring out the right balance between protecting user privacy and the use of data to provide the best experience for both the user and the business behind the app. For more information, check out this article from Inc. about Clubhouse and the issue of privacy. Furthermore, there have been several conversations specifically initiated to call out a disturbing trend of misogynistic moderators, predatory entrepreneur clubs, and of course, trolls. It seems like Clubhouse is dedicated to nipping this type of garbage in the bud, but it’s always important to practice digital safety and security to stay protected while navigating online.
Clubhouse is in its Beta stage and is currently operating as invite-only, which has added to the mystique of this new social media player. This has proven to be one of the most effective strategies for generating buzz and excitement. But even if you’re the first in your social circle to try it out, you can download the app, get on the waitlist, reserve you’re username or join with an invite from an existing user.
How do you envision using a platform like Clubhouse to improve your educational practice? Let me know on Twitter or Clubhouse: @GMcKinney2. And welcome to the club!
Innovation 4 Education 