Twitter is like the super intelligence student in the class who also has a great personality, not only are they intelligent but they have colloquial delivery. They are the student the class turns to when no one knows the answer and in one glorious sentence this student enlightens the whole class.
So to take the pressure of that great student in the class, the internet has given us twitter #GetIn
And why is it so brilliant?
Teachers and students can do so much from the comfort of a computer and all for just 140 characters. As I have mention previously, I like to use a Twitter Race but aside from that you can create characters, research, question, plan and elaborate on all sorts of learning. Some examples of the interesting uses, kindly passed on by our lecturer Enda Donlon, are here.
And just to back up my enthusiasm I had a quick read of some academic journal articles.The article I focused on is Usage Characteristics of Twitter in the Learning Process by Anat Cohen and Galit Duchan from Tel Aviv University. As most of us may know ‘Twitter is a real-time network that allows users from across the globe to share information through private and public messages capped at 140 characters.’ Throughout the article their research shows that not only did student engagement improve but reflection, discipline and awareness of the learning process. Furthermore, alternative research shows Twitter increases teacher-student dialogue and the students sense of belonging within a community of learning.
Some other journal articles become very scientific and complicated but the vast majority are positive, mentioning many of the characteristics alluded to above. Also lets be honest, what student will say no to using twitter in class? Furthermore what teacher, who has an interest in the topic will either? It is a key to unlocking a world of education and re-vitalizing aspects of the chalk and talk teaching so many moan about.
So have a think about it. If you’re interested here is a helpful guide.
Source: Usage Characteristics of Twitter in the Learning Process’ Anat Cohen and Galit Duchan, Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning & Learning Objects Vol 12 (2012)
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