W2: Twitter Adventure

Twitter Adventure

This week we were charged with doing a Twitter adventure where we blog on the prospects of using Twitter as a tool in education. To begin, I researched Twitter, as I already have a Twitter account, but I rarely use this software application, and I need to learn more about this social media application. I began by logging into my Twitter account and navigating through the site. In addition, I made a post and included our course hashtag at #etec527. Our professor initiated this course hashtag so that the students in the class could search Twitter to help us better connect with his and others’ posts related to our course this semester. I also made a few tweets on my account using the hashtag #etec527 to communicate with classmates and our professor on Twitter throughout our course. This seemed simple enough. I also searched the hashtag for our class. I was able to connect with our classmates as well as our professor, using easy 140-character text communications on the topic of using and working on Twitter.

Through my research, Twitter could be an excellent platform for education in numerous ways. First, Twitter is relatively intuitive to use as a software application. This mobile application is a social networking platform that allows users to explore information of interest and/or in common with other users. Hashtags are used in this and other social media platforms by creating a word or phrase after the number symbol to assist others in connecting with shared topics of interest. Finally, unlike closed communications with email, Twitter can be used as an open communication source where users can converse globally with other users of like pursuits and activities.

Using Twitter, educators can develop and maintain personal and professional networks with educators from around the world who teach the same subjects, for example. They can share ideas, accomplishments, research, questions, and other communications here. This connection is new because educators and students can connect with others with similar interests in educational pursuits. In addition, Twitter can be an outstanding professional development tool for educators. They can be associated with other professional development opportunities from around the state they live and work in or worldwide. Finally, using Twitter in classrooms can be beneficial as students take greater ownership of their classwork when they have an audience.

Twitter has advantages in academia, with teachers and students building a professional profile where they can gain recognition from other educators and students in the Twitter world, network together, exchange teaching and learning ideas, and share their successes. In addition, Twitter uses your academic profile within other academic communities and communications outside of these communities. Furthermore, through peer-to-peer networking in the Twitter world, teachers and students can broaden their social circles, interact with other industry professionals, and discover ideas, trends, and even social topics of interest.

Reflection

Twitter can be used for funding opportunities, dissemination of research information, promoting and spreading research findings, public engagement, open communication with the public, networking, and keeping up with news events and discussions relevant to our academic environment. I will overcome my hesitations and intimidations and use Twitter more to become comfortable and optimize my educational advantages moving forward.