4 thoughts on “Twitter…Yes? No? Maybe?”

1. 1. Twitter is a great tool for communication in and out of the classroom. Twitter updates are useful as reminders and to share links, photos, videos or other pertinent information. It can make learning more interactive as well.

   2. As far as personal learning networks go, twitter is a good tool to build your PLN, but it’s important to monitor who becomes a part of your network and make sure not to follow any “spammers.”

   3. The public nature of twitter can be a challenge in the classroom. Once students, teacher, or followed individuals/groups post a tweet, it is public. There is not teacher moderation tool for twitter. It’s important to set up ground rules and consequences prior to allowing student access.

   4. As a teacher, I see this as a useful tool for communicating with students and families. It can give up to the minute updates. It is a good tool for sharing resources as well. In time with more use, I can see it adding a great interactive element to the classroom.

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2. Can a micro-blogging tool accommodate communication and learning in the classroom?
   I believe that Twitter is an instant communication tool. It is quick way to gather information, search for answers and share your thoughts or ideas.

   Will you use twitter as part of you PLN?
   Yes! I use it daily, but now will begin to use it in my educational plan as well.

   What drawbacks can there be in using a tool like this one?
   Misinformation is huge… you will need to cross reference and be aware where your information is coming from. Another issue is loss of control of what is posted. Even with set guidelines, students can post things that may not be appropriate… and as a teacher you cannot stop them, just block them?! I’m not comfortable with this huge issue.

   If the tool must fit the purpose, how, when and where will you use this tool as teacher?
   I think twitter is immediate, it is a way to draw students to the blog, to assignments, to projects, to learning issues or questions. It is my hope to use twitter to open more dynamic avenues to engage students in their learning as well as mine.

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3. 1. I think that Twitter can be incorporated into a class curriculum. It could help foster class communication with students as well as parents.
   2. As far as using Twitter as part of my PLN? I am not so sure, as I am not so comfortable. However, with guidance and colleague mentoring, it could be a viable possibility.
   3. Like Kainoa, I agree that specific guidelines must be set up. Just like the commenting guidelines so that student learn appropriate behavior for Twitting.
   4. I am not sure as this point how to answer this question. I still consider myself a mere toddler when it comes to twitting.

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4. 1. I believe so. Blogging has become a great tool for me this year. It’s too bad I discovered it this late in the year. I am glad I got to learn the skills so I can communicate with my students and parents.

   2. I think no for now with twitter. I think I need to pace myself first, but I do see the benefits of it.

   3. For me it’s learning how to use it period! Next would be finding the time to manage this!

   4. I’m open to any ideas on how to do this.

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