NEW TECHNOLOGY Using Twitter in the classroom

What is Twitter? Twitter is an online social networking and micro blogging site, that lets users send short text based posts, informally known as “tweets” Created in 2006, it currently has over 200 million users. Twitter is a free site which can be accessed on computers, as well as applications that can be downloaded onto iPhone/iPad/Androids Smartphone. Users create their own ‘online account’ where they post their own thoughts, and can easily click a button to ‘follow’ someone else and see all their Twitter updates.

Twitter in the Classroom An easily accessible communications tool between teachers, parents and the outer community. Posts such as topics, homework, extra- curricular activities, and photos of day-to-day happenings in the classroom. Twitter can be easily updated from either the teacher’s laptop or iPad, because it only takes less than a minute to update, teachers send information to parents quickly during recess, lunch, or photos from a class instantly.

While working as a student teacher at Manor Lakes College, the school began trialling a new ICT policy of teachers using Twitter to communicate with parents of the students about what is covered in the classroom, and what homework is needed for the students to complete.

Twitter allows teachers to share short comments of information, websites and even videos outside the classroom and outside 9-3 instructional time.

Issues using Twitter Privacy laws are the main issue in using Twitter in the classroom, some people may not want their photo being uploaded onto the internet, or parents may not want to see their children’s photos posted. A way to avoid this situation arising is by having a permission slip sent home to all students’ parents, asking for their permission for their child to be involved in the classroom Twitter account, before it is created.

VELS Although Twitter can be used so broadly throughout the VELS domains, here are examples of relating standards Level 5, ICT for communicating: Students share their ideas through their blog, website or other public forums, which are correctly formatted, comply with ICT conventions and demonstrate an awareness of the characteristics that contribute to products meeting their purpose. Level 6, ICT for communicating students exchange ideas and considered opinions with others through online forums and websites. They use accepted protocols to communicate regularly online with peers, experts, and others, expressing their messages in language appropriate to the selected form of communication, and demonstrating respect for cultural differences.

Resources using-twitter-for-your-school/ using-twitter-for-your-school/ ccess-twitter-at-school-work/ ccess-twitter-at-school-work/