Twitter
How would you utilize a class Twitter group? Opportunities to connect with students include encouraging thoughtful feedback and reflection and contributing new and innovative information relevant to your area of study.
I am looking forward to starting a twitter site for the students to continue their educational journey. After completing this course, I realize that this type of social media site provides the perfect platform to table content that reinforces what the students are learning as well as provoking critical thinking......can't wait to get started, thank you!
@TheresaSchmitt I have not incoorporated Twitter into my teaching style yest, but I most definately recognize the need to stay current with social media, especially since more and more time is being spent on these sites. I teach a board review course, so I could start a twitter page for the course and post critical thinking cases that encourage feedback. As the students review the discussions, they will be reviewing exam content.
I also have to agree with you ,in my school our curriculum does not allow for any change whatsoever.
Not in the near future!
Twitter can be used to link content area learning to the reality our students thrive in. For example, I use Twitter to challenge students to communicate concisely and effectively. I have used Twitter for things from summary writing to reading responses. In business focused communications, Twitter is a tool that real businesses are using to reach customers- I have students follow a few companies and analyze their communications. Students then utilize Twitter to communicate from their "made up" company.
I do agree it is very difficult for our department. As it is we have long lap classes and their ability to interact within the class is so small Twitter will cause problems.
Many school environments do not welcome or even do not authorize using social media in the classroom, yet the use of social media could be a very effective tool to impart knowledge and introduce creative discussion of the topics included in a course’s curriculum. As a teacher, I understand how beneficial the interaction brought about by establishing such connections with outside sources could be to promote knowledge acquisition and encourage class participation. Even in a ESOL class, in which sometimes there is resistance to speak English due to shyness or fear of making mistakes, a contact with outside speakers could overcome their hesitancy and motivate them to engage in discussing topics of mutual interest. This could be a way of convincing conservative school authorities to allow the use of social media in the classroom.
Philip Cunill
I wouldn't use Twitter on any social site in my classes at this time, unless I was told too. I have too many students already wasting class time on twitter and facebook and giving them a "reason" to be on them for class purposes would only increase the distraction.
I tend to enjoy using twitter to keep things light and also be able to answer questions at the same time.
In the classroom, Twitter allows more students to participate in discussions than a traditional setting would allow. This promotes active learning for students. Twitter can be used for students to collaborate in the classroom as well as outside the classroom for group assignments. Students can anonymously “tweet†to their classmates and instructors which is helpful for students who tend to be shy and introverted. Twitter offers a way for all students to participate in classroom discussions.
Jeff,
Scheduling updates is brilliant! Aside from general reminders about exams and projects, relevant links, and little tidbits of knowledge, using Twitter to update students regarding class scheduling changes is timely and appreciated by the student who may need to adjust his or her work/personal schedule. I can see Student Services departments making good use of Twitter as a communication tool as well.
Best,
Theresa Schmitt
I never thought of twitter as instructional, I thought is was for keeping up with the Kardashians. I will need to check with my dept. head but I think I would like it for scheduling updates as well. Things like test reminders, due dates, schedule and classroom changes. I will have to check with my students to see if any are using twitter, but this could be a very useful tool even without the benefits of class related discussions.
I have some concerns about Twitter but I would consider using it to have myself and my students communicate in regard to current news. There are some great apps for quick news updates, like The Skimm. It would be interesting to see how students communicate their response to the news of the day. What do you think?
Holly,
Fantastic example of how Twitter can be a viable resource and how we as educators can contribute while not in the classroom.
Best,
Theresa Schmitt
Most professors who teach online classes have other careers as well that relate to what we teach. During our day, we could Tweet items of interest to out class Twitter Group---with links about items to check out on the web or just tidbits of interesting information about what it is like to be working in a certain profession.
Tonya,
Fantastic! Please come back and share your experience with the group.
Best,
Theresa Schmitt
I had the exact same thoughts about Twitter. I thought it's sole use was to follow celebrities and comment on their lives. After reading this module and reading the comments, I am very interested in incorporating Twitter into my classroom.
Since I am not on any social-media sites, this will be a chance to test the waters. The best part will be getting my students to help bring me into their technological world.
John,
You could approach it that way- essentially assign a moderator each week to post a topic and respond- that would take much of the burden off of you. I do feel the students would benefit greatly if you participate and share your vast knowledge with the group.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
Even though the inaction would be exciting, using twitter in a classroom would be difficult, unless one particular student is assigned to keep up with the responses.
Nannette,
I absolutely love having the ability to connect with students and industry professionals on Twitter for teaching purposes- I find it enriches the teaching and learning experience.
Theresa Schmitt
