While both student content development and instructor content development are both okay to use. However, while studying the contents of micro blogging, I personally think that instructor content development would be more important when incorporating micro blogging into my courses. My reason is because I would be the one who would be determining the assignment, the contents of the course, the purpose, and the learning objectives. I would be the one to determine the character limit (blocks of 140 characters), and how to send the information to the students. Once the course contents are developed, instructors should make sure that the students will be able to respond to all questions with very short answers (140 characters or less). Instructors must create their accounts, and design it so that all of the students in the class can follow them. Then the instructors must assist the students in creating an account; as well as explain all of the other aspects of micro blogging and the assignment prior to releasing the assignment to the students for completion.
Catherine,
Great observation. That is the power of these tools is the value of information. How students obtain that information becomes the value to them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think that student content development is slightly more important because of the benefits of their viewpoints and what they find. In this day and age, these students are the ones who tend to find information in a more non-conventional fashion - and in that case, would help the instructor out more in terms of finding information that would be helpful in the classroom.
Thomas,
That is a great way of putting it! There is certain things the instructor can do but it can "learn" for the student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think of the instructor as raising vegetables in a raised box planter or sorts. :)
The instructor has to set limits and certain expectations ... but the students need to have the freedom to grow within those walls or limits ... so the "fruit" will be their own learning and not some micro-managed contrivance.
Janis,
you are right. The instructor should start the discussion and the students should lead the rest. The instructor should be the guide on the side.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
They are both important, of course. I think the instructor needs to "get the ball rolling." Modeling what is expected is essential. But after that, the instructor should only be a facilitator. The students should lead the way.
Ernest,
Right. You have to set the expectations and hold students to them. That is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe that both student and instructor content development play an important role when microblogging is utilized. I think that microblogging is analgous to a class room. The instructor needs to develops the "rules", set expectations, manage and control "blog-room". The student-content expectations should be those that require the higher levels of thinking and the synthesis of succinct, efficient and pertinent responses.
Jennifer ,
I think you have the secret to a successful use of the microblogging. Expectations must be set and the instructor sets the tone by providing an example.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eileen,
You are right; it does give students a sense of ownership of their learning while instructors become more of a facilitator.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mathias,
I like that use. Have you used Remind101.com? It does help you send blanket texts to a group of students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patricia,
It should be student centered but that also means student responsible. It has to be about the learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe the instructor should set the expectations for microblogging and could even demonstrate what is expected by initiating the first microblog. I then see this as an opportunity for students to become more involved and engaged, collaborating with one another. What a rich learning environment that could provide as they share experiences and perspectives!
Kelly,
I would say that content development by both students and instructors are equally important. For students, they get the sense of empowerment in that they feel that their voice will be heard. For instructors, they can impart wisdom on the particular topic. Both students and instructors bring something to the table, and with equal microblogging access, the results can be varied and valuable.
- Dr. Eileen Wibbeke
Microblogging is a great way to assess how much students learn from the lecture or course.
Teachers can tweet several questions during a week for feedback.
Matt
I thought about this for a while and I agree that having a student-centered content development might be the best.
Sharon,
I agree with you. You have to be able to "pull" that rich experience out of those students. This will build confidence in those adult learners and make them feel the value they really are!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I believe it should be two fold. Instructor content development is important to provide structure to the discussion, ensure that learning objectives/concepts/theories are being achieved and to drive the student to critically think and therefor enabling the student to development content. I deal with many adult learners who have rich professional experience and a great deal of insight into their own industries consequently I feel it is important for the student to development content too. In this way they feel engaged, demonstrate understanding and share pertinent information as it relates to their experience.
Rebecca,
I agree with you and I actually call myself a tour guide for a course. You make a great point about using the microblogging as a collaborative tool. I like your suggestion for this tool.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
