Stephanie,
That is such a great first step. You need to set the expectations and you can model the behavior you want.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Stacy,
Well, I love your strategy. They are going to see this in the real world, make them use these tools efficiently. Many of them will incorporate the tools in their own workplace.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kelly,
That is such a cool idea! I can see how this might be a way to engage students in writing, such as English Comp, and make it more appealing and focused. Something they would be interested in doing as opposed to feeling something they have to do.
Stephanie
I'm fascinated by this topic as I have never really considered something like Twitter as an instructional tool. However, I think I would feel "safe" using this first as a way to get microblogging activities into the classroom. If all students are "following" me, I can see how this would be a great tool to send out quick reminders, assignment updates, tips and tricks, even special notes of encouragement, especially to first time students. I like that it can make the classroom even more personal and immediate.
Stephanie
I would incorporate tweet reminders. Post a challenging question and ask students to respond through microblogging. I could also ask the students to response to at least 2 other students blog to engage the whole classroom.
RICARDO,
For some, the tweets go to the phone and many instructors feel they get students engaged when the phone is involved.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson:
As an online instructor, there are several microblogging activities I could incorporate into my course. They include Twitter, Plurk, and FriendFeed. The most useful I think would be Twitter. Why? According to the course readings, "[t]weets may be reminders about assignments and due dates or may be new information. Many believe this is better than simply posting the information on an LMS or blog and expecting the students to log in and read the information...Instructors will, however, need to make sure students understand the purpose of using it and are instructed in how to use it as well." I have not made use of Twitter so far but I will be sure to open an account and incorporate this technology not only online but on campus.
Dr. Ricardo Richards
Phyllis,
I agree with both of you. You need to incorporate the tool into the course not add it to other work. It can be overwhelming but if you create the expectations (use a rubric) and create the opportunity you may be able to exchange it for another assignment in your course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Phyllis,
Thank you for sharing. That is a great idea. I think it is a great way to make students think about the words they use.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eileen, I agree that it is a balancing act to incorporate social media into the e-learning environment. Besides grading papers and other administrative duties, as online instructors there is so much to monitor to keep student on track. Having stated the time limitation aspect, one thing that I have considered is that students spend an inordinate amount of time on social media; therefore utilizing microblogging would be a good way to continue the learning process and re-direct students back to the e-learning environment. Of course this will require planning and strategy for it to be successful. However, once you set up a Twitter account and one question from an assignment (that you are comfortable to place on twitter), students could engage in that one question and you probably only have to check the Twitter account perhaps 10 minutes a day to view and assess their responses. This maybe one approach to cure your “social media phobia†that you humorously mentioned in your post. You have presented a great point!
Phyllis Gooden, Ph. D.
Hello Kelly,
I teach an online Literature course. I could use microblogging to ask students to examine a character. For example, students would be asked to present one character trait of a complicated character. The assignment could be for each class member to write different traits of Jay Gatsby from the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This would be a good way to teach the creative role of the writer to develop interesting characters.
Phyllis Gooden, Ph.D.
Marie,
It does work. Look at remind101.com. It is really helpful.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Using microblogging activities sounds like something students would love. Students are into technology more and more and are familiar with the "newest" gadgets and ways to communicate. I feel using microblogging in the classroom would definitely benefit the students, plus, there might be more participation in Discussions. I'd use tweets to remind students of events that are due.
Thomas,
That is how I use it. I want students to connect my course content to their professional world. It is a great tool for that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Thomas,
What a great point! It does keep them in the content beyond the online classroom. I try to do that also. I want my students connected to the real world.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kimberly,
I use it to teach concise writing. They have to get their point across in 140 characters. It is a challenge. Look at Willie's post. He has some really great ways to use it. I also use a rubric to grade them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Willie ,
I love your creative thinking in using technology. I agree I use it to teach concise writing. it really works.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ruth,
Yes, one of the advantages is that it helps to link the course to current events in real time, thereby providing students with opportunities to apply what they are learning.
The key function of microblogging is to keep students networked when they are away from the course website. Under this category you would include course updates and reminders, any changes to the course, calling their attention to real world events related to the course and alerting them to any major discussion trends that are emerging on the course website they might wish to be part of. The key to remember is that microblogging is about keeping folks informed of what is happening now.
Admittedly I have not heard of this! What are the capabilities of it? What are some examples of activities you've use with it? I would love to hear about some graded activities that you or anyone has used on this or Twitter!
Thank you!
