Tweet

More discussions are arising regarding Web 2.0 in the classroom, this time with the popular micro-blogging service, Twitter. A recent Chronicle blog post asks readers if they feel that more instructors should use Twitter for their courses. The replies are mixed.

This is not an unusual response to Twitter, and to Web 2.0 in general, where new users may be wary about the varied sites and services offered, especially when attempting to integrate them into the classroom. And rightly so. Instructors should consider both the short-term (such as costs to students) and long-term (such as university policy) effects of such integration -- but when done right, everyone can benefit from these teaching tools that extend beyond the four walls of the classroom.

This blog outlines a number of uses of Twitter, including "class chatter," and "classroom community," which work not as assignments but as tools for engaging students and for keeping students thinking about a topic outside of class. A couple days ago, another use was demonstrated through NAIT's live microblogging session. And students can follow professionals, just as you can follow me, to keep up to date on the latest happenings in their field, or to get an idea of what a typical day might be.

As with other Web 2.0 features, Twitter offers a range of options that instructors can use to engage their students -- but be sure to consider what works best for the course and for the students.