Friday, April 30, 2010
Twitter in the classroom
I have been looking at curriculum revision and technology integration for next year, using this class, this year and this summer to get my skills somewhere close to what my students can do. I have really been thinking about how microblogging could be used in the classroom. I am concentrating more on the internet version of rather than the cell-phone because of district policy with cell phones in school. I am leaning towards a more secure site such as Edomo because students could do quick posts and share thoughts while working on projects. It would also be a great reminder and quick communication device from me the teacher should we need it. Though initially I balked at twitter in the classroom (having discussed in staff meetings the overdramatized microdisasters of the lives of my middle schoolers communicated via twitter), I admit I have changed my mind. The difference to me is the parameters set by the teacher. I see how it can be beneficial with the proper guidance. Perhaps I am learning to embrace the technology that is so ingrained in my students and will be able to meet them where they are at in 21st Century skills.
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I too was a little skeptical of Twitter before being introduced to it this week. I was boggled at how you could use a tool like this in the classroom. After testing it out and exploring it more this week, it has certainly grown on me! I still think it would be difficult to use in the classroom, especially with such strict rules some schools have regarding cell phone devices. I believe with this, as well as many of the new technology tools we have been learning about, if you can prove to people that it is worth while and educational, perhaps they would be willing to let you try it out.
ReplyDeleteI just do not think I will ever use Twitter in the classroom. Although I do see some benifit, I think we can use other technologies to get the same result. I am not yet comfortable with the idea of the instant updates of everybodies lives that Twitter has to offer.
ReplyDeleteIf I were starting out with web2.0 tools, this probably wouldn't be where I started, but it does have some potential uses if you confine it to educational purposes. The difficulty is keeping secondary students on track when you open up something like this. With Emodo, you have more control.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the video on my blog about how they use it in a kindergarten classroom.