I decided to experiment using Twitter this semester in my campus based class of “Microcomputer Applications” - basically an introduction to computers type class. My plans focused mostly on offering to send out text message reminders of deadlines for class assignments to students interested in using the device notifications.
The results and interest have been much more positive than I expected. I conducted the survey below on the Tuesday of the third week of class. Better than half the class is already using text notifications with another 10-20% interested but haven’t yet set it up.
In addition to the reminders that I’ve been sending out, two other things have happened.
First, I was able to notify better than half of my students of the emergency closing due to Hurricane Ike within ten minutes of having personally received the phone call from College personnel. It also provides a means of communicating with them regarding changes to class (work to be done, due dates etc) between now and the next class meeting.
Second, there’s healthy handful of students using Twitter as a semi-regular communications channel. I didn’t expect students to post many - or any - updates to communicate with each other. However, at the beginning of class, two students indicated they had used Twitter previously. At this point, several students are posting at least occasional updates and replying to classmates.
I’m wondering if the usage rate will increase for (a) text notices / device notification and/or (b) students posting updates. I will post an update or two later in and at the end of the semester.
Related posts:
- Who are you on Twitter?
- Classroom Clicker via Google Forms
- Classroom Clicker Systems
- ELI2008: Experiencing a Different Twitter
- About Chris
- Are they really computer literate?
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Tags: microblogging, twitter
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