The Use of Twitter.

The use of twitter in the educational setting is a battle that may not be answered within the near future. As an newer teacher, I try to embrace new technology and will try to integrate the use of some social media in positive productive ways. Utilizing twitter does put on some restrictions that go beyond the teachers control, such as limited to 140 words or less. The use of twitter also allows for free speech, which is not necessarily a bad idea in the classroom, but guidelines and rules need to be established to help censor some unwanted language. The problem that i have seen in today's classrooms are that the teachers, not always, are much older and do not understand the use of the technologies such as students do so the instructor often strays away from the unknown and focuses back on the, traditional idea of lecture and listen. The use of twitter can be beneficial in the sense that  the students may feel much more engaged than a free write and pass to their neighbor situation. In the video "Twitter in the classroom?" The teacher states that "if you don't engage the kids, you might as well be talking to the wall." The use of a hash tag to respond to a question can be critical thinking as they can only use 140 characters or less. In the future, I will embrace social media the best i can in ways that have been tried as well as new ways. 

In the past i have used twitter and I do not use it as much anymore. I may try to get back to using it to find resources to aid in the application.

Q1: What is the purpose of the DIGME Program?

A1: To bring technology, literacy, and learning into the classroom to raise engagement, and academic achievement of the students in a high school setting. This program is supported by the university of Minnesota

Q2: What are some positive benefits twitter can be used in the classroom?

A2: The use of hashtags can bring class discussion into organized feed that the teacher and the class can review. The idea that twitter can be incorporated using twitter tools such as Twitterfall or historicaltweets.com can allow for an educational base discussion. The use of twitter can also lead students on a scavenger hunt dictated by the teacher.