A Broad New World...

I am a skeptical person by nature, and when I first heard of Twitter, I cringed. I thought that it was just another way for athletes and actors to complain about what is wrong with what they have to deal with. Then I was told to look a little deeper by a teacher mentor of mine. She happens to be one of the most conservative teachers I have ever encountered, but she said something I will never forget. When I was complaining about how the students just weren't getting it, she said, "It's about them..." As simple as it sounds, it has become iconic in my teaching strategies. If the students don't want to learn, they will find ways not to.

Twitter is another avenue to explore growing potential in a shrinking world. Technology has made it possible for one to be connected to whatever or whomever they wish... and Twitter is one such way of doing so. Now, what better forum is there to start showing off this new avenue than in the classroom? Students already know and use the medium; it should be incorporated into how they learn. A fellow teacher, when talking about using Twitter as a "hook," said that even the simplest "tweets" can do incredible things in the classroom. He argues that "we're living in a world where even throw-away questions can produce stunning by-products." to see more, click here TeachPaperless

Another article discussed the potential of Twitter in teaching foreign languages. Much like asking and answering questions in one's own language, Twitter can open a whole new realm for those seeking to learn more about other cultures or languages. to see more, click here ICT into the MFL

Getting the conversation started in the classroom is half the battle. If students come to class having already "tweeted" and texted each other about a topic, a much stronger discussion or debate can occur in the classroom. Instead of establishing a text, it can be experienced.

Shelly, on his blog, also says:
"For we are living in an age in which questions themselves -- questions of all varieties and supposed levels -- are capable of tapping into links far beyond whatever our initial thought or intention of the question originally was."

Getting students to ask questions and not just find answers is paramount to effective teaching and learning. Take a chance; be creative; be daring!