When I find opportunities that I know have helped me grow as a person and as an educator, I can’t help to want to share them with you as quickly as possible, so today, I want to talk to you about this somewhat new online networking space that has the potential to help you grow in every area of your life, not just teaching. I am talking about the #ClubhouseApp .
I have been using Clubhouse since December 2020, and today, I want to share with you my experience and break down the App for you. I must admit that at the beginning I wasn’t so much into it and did not see much potential because I did not give it a real shot, but now you can say I am an addicted Clubhouse user, but that is because I love to learn and I am learning so much about a wide variety of topics.
Literally, there is something for everyone in Clubhouse. You can even join rooms featuring celebrities and amazing speakers and listen to them and perhaps even interact with them. I kid you not!
So...What is Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is an invite only social networking app based on audio chats where participants can drop in to rooms to listen to discussions, interviews, and conversations among individuals who are knowledgeable on specific topics. As a WL teacher, I have found many rich benefits to being part of this app.
Major Benefits of Clubhouse for World Language Educators
- CONNECT WITH THE WORLD
When I visit Clubhouse during my lunch time, I can partake in conversations with fellow Spanish educators I follow from Europe, Germany, and many other countries.
Even in rooms that aren’t based on teaching solely Spanish, I have connected with dedicated educators, advocates, & speakers located in other countries who often share their global perspectives.
EXPAND YOUR LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Last year, I took ACTFL’s OPI and I scored Advanced High. As a way to train myself to score Superior, I believe Clubhouse is the BEST WAY where I can increase my linguistic repertoire beyond my current level and take my spoken discourse to another level as it provides me with stress free opportunities to engage in authentic conversations on topics in which I am genuinely interested.- DEVELOPMENT
Let me just say that this is the best place right now to receive free & quality SELF & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Once you join Clubhouse, you want to follow your topics of interest and the follow some clubs on these topics as well.
For example, some of my topics are Spanish teaching, education, mental health, enneagrams, parenting entrepreneurship, DACA, etc.
How to Join Clubhouse
Clubhouse is free and only available to iPhone users, but someone must invite you.
Once you are invited, you are given three invitations, and then you can invite others, but you must be selective and invite people who you know are going to make the most of the App and will keep the invitation chain going.
What to Do After Joining
- Create a profile & add your picture. This is important as Clubhouse moderators don’t entertain trolling.
- Follow the topics of your interest, join Clubs, & follow people.
- Invite others but be selective about who you invite. You want to invite people who are actually going to use the App.
- Explore and listen in to the conversations and when you are ready, actually participate in one.
Let's Recap
Clubhouse is an invite only & audio networking IPhone App.
For WL teachers, it is perhaps the best place to further expand linguistic abilities as well as to connect with further free self & professional development opportunities.
It will also expand your global perspectives on many topics.
To get the most out of Clubhouse, you must actually participate by actively listening or chiming in on conversations.
Already on Clubhouse?
If so, drop a comment and let us know what has been the best thing you have gotten out of it. Also, feel free to follow me on Clubhouse.
Check out this video (in Spanish) via my Instagram account about my experience as a WL educator and user of Clubhouse.
If you are still super curious about Clubhouse, check out their official Instagram page @clubhouseguide_ .