Twitter - Why?

In a world where now everything is described as something-2.0 it is important to understand what that implies, and the impact on everyday life. According to Wikipedia the now-widely-used term Web 2.0 used to describe applications, and programs online that encourage sharing and collaboration. “A Web 2.0 site allows users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community, in contrast to websites where users are limited to the passive viewing of content that was created for them.”

This trend is here to stay, not matter how tech savy you are. And it isn’t just in the education system. Most businesses, charities, towns, and almost anything else you can think of has a website, facebook page or twitter feed. Berger and Trexler state that most students use the internet, and up to 77 percent have their own networking site (Pg. 161). Teachers come from generations where we remember what it was like before the internet (and I am only 30!), but we still need to realize that there are benefits of using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, and not just to teach students how to be safe online. "When asked what they learn from using social networking sites, the students listed technology skills as the top lesson, followed by creativity, open to new or diverse ways, and communication skills" (Berger & Trexler, pg. 162, 2010). By definition Web 2.0 tools are interactive and invite collaboration and "Social Networking supports all phases of inquiry as learners interact and collaborate" (Berger & Trexler, pg. 163, 2010).

It has some promising uses in the classroom, but the real reason I am getting into social media at this time is to collaborate with other teachers. The NSBA (National School Board Association)”recommends that schools consider using social networking for staff communications and professional development". Using Twitter I hope to be able to find easily new trends in education, locally, and globally.

Berger, P. and Trexler, S. (2010). Choosing Web 2.0 tools for learning and teaching in a digital world. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Creating & Connecting: Research and Guidelines on Online Social – and Educational – Networking. 2007. National School Board Assoc., in association with Grunwald Associates LLC. http://www.nsba.org/site/docs/41400/41340.pdf

Web 2.0. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved February 16, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0