Get Your Students Hired
Microblogging can be a beneficial way to get content directly to a student quickly and in a straightforward manner. Often, we as instructors may provide detailed explanations of content, assignments, etc. within the LMS. This provides the details that are needed but often students need prompting to push them along the right path (timeliness, focus, etc.); microblogging can be beneficial for providing this type of push. It also gives students the opportunity to interact in a manner that many may be comfortable with, as more students tend to use microblogging and other social media tools in their personal lives so finding ways. Implementing this in a class means that students can directly apply their interest in the social media options along with their interest in the content. This can also help boost interest for some students.
Jeffrey,
There are several polling websites that will provide that benefit. Many LMS's will have that functionality also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jeffrey,
There are several polling websites that will provide that benefit. Many LMS's will have that functionality also.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One of the main benefits of using microblogging in the classroom is instant feedback. Another great way to use twitter is for students and the instructor to continue discussion after a class has ended. Another is tweeting announcements to students. Students could also tweet the instructor when they have completed an assignment so the instructor could grade it. I really like the suggestion made in the course to possibly use microblogging to set up a poll and I was thinking that possibly the results of the poll to date can be shown. Also twitter might be used to get feedback from students as to how the course is going. To summarize, microblogging allows students to engage by enabling them to provide feedback and participate in conversations. This method of communication might even help a student who is shy participate in class.
Mark,
I agree with you. We had the discussion yesterday about the damage to the succinctness of writing done by making students write 500 words or 1000 words. They don't see the importance of the writing they only see the need of words, any words. (Just my thoughts).
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree with the concept of *succinct* and consice by the limits pf space in microblogs. However, in my English classes, I try to emphasize that in the *real* professional world, they do need to understand writing as a bigger platform than 140 characters.
Eileen,
Yes, and that is where your students are; on their phone. I like that it restricts to 140 characters. . . but that fits my course outcomes.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
David,
That may be true. I don't think microblogging fits every course. It may be you using it to communicate with your students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Casey,
I actually use it to text students to remind them about course items. I use remind101.com and it is great.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Candace ,
Great observation. I use it to help with conciseness of writing. Students seem to think more words means better writing and this is a medium that I can use to help combat that myth.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Greg,
Great points. I think the important thing is to provide students with expectations and guidance to improve the quality of the student work. It can work!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kelly,
I would say the biggest benefit is being able to participate in a classroom via multiple mobile devices in a concise manner. When students and/or instructors are restricted to 140 characters, they must become more creative, and efficient, in stating and defending their point of view.
- Dr. Eileen Wibbeke
While I can come up with generic reasons when this would be appropriate I struggle to see how I would practically incorporate it into a finance or accounting course. Most of the discussions are based off of valuations which need software to compute. This is not to say that these tools cannot be used infrequently for qualitative discussions but these do not occur with the same level of regularity.
Microblogging acts as an online notice board. Post your message and everyone in your group gets it. And you could have several groups, one for each of your classes or subjects. The key is that one single message gets delivered to everyone in the group instantly.
Microblogging can offer the following benefits:
-use familiar media in a classroom format
-utilize outside sources to aid in learning
-assist with curtly expressing ideas
-create a new space between students, instructors and others where topics can be discussed
It's a great way to connect with other individuals who are leaders of industry and glimpse their day-to-day lives.
Microblogging makes it easier on the student to be more involved with the discussion. I like that it pushes students to think more concisely on how to get their message across while maintaining the character limit. In a technological society of fast paced lifestyles, microblogging simply opens another avenue in teaching our students, utilizing time frames that may be more conducive to their schedules.
Gloria,
I agree with you. It is a great way to learn to write concisely and precisely. You can show great examples (both good and bad)of professional work communication.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I have to admit that I am somewhat slow in personally becoming familiar with microblogging, but the benefits of incorporating these types of activities into an online course seem to have many benefits including the quick dissemination of information to students regarding assignments, due dates and the like. I like the idea of being able to provide updates on issues relating to course content. I also feel that an important benefit of the 140 character constraint is the student's developing the ability to communicate effectively in a concise and precise manner - a skill highly regarded in the business community. Personally, I feel that being able to relay the information without the use of texting language is even more valuable so that messages are not misinterpreted.
Christine,
Great points. It is a great way to encourage students to use vocabulary in your field. I have used it in that way.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Darcel,
Wow, what a great post. It is a great way to teach what I call "economic use of words" Can students get a point across succinctly. It is a great exercise. It is also a great way to look at vocabulary.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson