Educational Uses for Twitter

Educational Uses for Twitter

Twitter.com can be seen as another digital manifestation of prosperity in a post-modern culture; another mindless endeavor in the social/recreational sort with no redeeming value.  Yet, the enterprising and crafty minds of the age have directed this technical diversion to become a useful tool for learning.  Empirical data to prove has not yet been gathered, but there is clear reason to consider Twitter a learning tool.

Twitter has redeeming value due to several features that make it unique.  It is an asynchronous medium of computer-mediated communication.  It has a personal dynamic as well as the capacity for educational and professional interaction that create a defined network.  Following individuals in a particular field of study can give you insight into the profession as well as recent developments in research in the area.  Twitter’s accessibility is a wonderful feature; be it via internet or cellular device.   An individual may follow or set up entities that can be followed; in this context, it would be a class.  Widgets can be attached to Web pages so Twitter can be linked to a site and notifications can appear there.

 

http://www.cooper-taylor.com/blog/2008/08/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-education/

This blog site reflects some of the basic twitter etiquette as well as protocol for the maximizing results in the social aspect of developing community.   A college instructor in the medical field, she provides a very practical guide for getting things started for a teacher who is desiring but reluctant to use digital tools in their lessons or classroom.   Easy to read and down-to-earth, the tips and instructions offered give a clear rationale for how each step helps in developing twitter aptitude and a productive response from others. Her insight is validated by her professional development in conjunction with the parallel development of Web technology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WPVWDkF7U8

A quite insightful and engaging perspective of how Twitter is being used to create interaction in the classroom.  University of Texas at Dallas professor uses Twitter for in-class discussion via the interface.  She marvels at the response that is generated when students actually respond to her discussions via tweet.  This fosters greater depth and breadth in subject relevant discussions.  Many ideas are generated, many of which would not emerge in a typical class discussion.  This removes the fear and intimidation of the large group dynamic.  Students are required to condense their thoughts to something concise for clarity as they are limited to 140 words.   It is evident that skills needed for a truly genuine conversation or  a presentation in a formal setting are not a consideration.  Nonetheless, this professor should be commended for her intrepid spirit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OxIz_3o3O0&NR=1

Under the sponsorship of the University of Minnesota, students at Roosevelt High School are using all digital tools in their classes.   The classroom teacher maintains the same focus on the content, it just communicated in a more palatable means in the classroom.   Students use laptops and twitter to actualize the material.  Seems to be engaging to the students, which is a key point that the promoters of this University program are embracing.  Teachers and students seems to enjoy and testify to increased engagement. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZl5GQfY6kk&feature=related

Chicago instructors at Columbia College use twitter for a class tool because of the many facets it offers in terms of access.  This video outlines the micro-blogging features of Twitter; posting format, functionality of access, posting variations, etc.  The “following” feature is also explained in detail to clarify the arrangement of who would be able to view whom.

 

https://tle.wisc.edu/solutions/engagement/50-ways-use-twitter-classroom

Another 50 ways to use twitter-seems more engaging and applicable for the classroom teacher.

 

http://tbarrett.edublogs.org/2008/03/29/twitter-a-teaching-and-learning-tool/

British educator Tom Barrett offers reflection with clarity revealing perspective on Twitter being valuable to him as a teacher.   In professional connections, establishing fruitful and enlightening relationships all over the world.  Its value in the classroom is significant, although not exclusively most valuable.  Quite aptly, Twitter is that middle ground between email and IM communication.  It does have the capacity for both so it remains the median.  Tom Barrett continues by reflecting on Twitter as a river with many interacting with it as such, a moving body of water.  Those in the vicinity have the option of “getting in.”   Concluding, the networking capacity for this medium is the most rewarding aspect.