Microblogging is a new way to communicate with people in short posts using instant messaging, mobile phones, email or the web.
There are several services which offer microblogging, including; Twitter, Jaiku, and Pownce. The tools provide and easy forum to share.
People blog for all kinds of different reasons, and this microblogging is geared for the short quick communications. There was a study done which found that the intentions of most microbloggers were just trying to chitchat. Microblogging can be used as an "all alert." A few friends and I used to play ultimate Frisbee at night and we sent out group texts so everyone knew whether or not we had enough people. Using the appilcation twitter, you can do the same thing. Using a phone, or PDA you can send out an announcement to as many people as you want by clicking a few buttons. That kind of access is pretty cool. Especially because someone can set up everything on his or her PC at home and then access twitter on a PDA or by phone. This makes communication very easy, effective and efficient.
Microblogs can be set up for several people to converse or there is even a security feature, which only allows people who are registered through the administrator to post information.
The blog posts are very interesting. Some teachers comment on the problems of twitters or twitting in the classroom. One teacher points out the efficiency of quick communication, and another comments on the problems that may occur if kids get this kind of access in the classroom. It was actually pretty funny; one teacher mentions that he spent most of his day messing around microblogging instead of teaching.
There was some back and forth arguments on the benefits of a structured 55 minutes classroom included with a lecture, or if passing along information through twitter would be more efficient, because the students find this more interesting and more geared towards their understanding.
Many teachers around the country are experimenting with twitter and trying to find how it might be applied to help the educational process. Some seem to think it will help connect students on large campuses for field trips, or a type of scavenger hunt.
This brings me to my conclusion. As a coach it is often very difficult to get in touch with all the players on my soccer team. If you count football, then I have over 70 students to contact. But if I could use microblogging, and use the application twitter, than I can easily connect with the team and keep them abreast of any meetings, practices or team news.
8 comments:
I enjoyed learning about microblogging from your post. At first I didn't think mircoblogging was all that useful because it seems so similar to e-mail (sending a large group the same information). However, after reading your post you made some valid points for its usefullness. Considering the fact that most people have cell phones and PDAs it would make more sense to use microblogging to get in quick touch with them as opposed to sending out an e-mail which many of them would not see until hours later. I am glad you made the point about microblogging in the classroom. I could see how distracting it could be for students. Many of them would rather be microblogging than listening to the teacher. However, you made a good point that at the same time it could be beneficial for educators who use it to get in quick contact with their students.
I knew nothing about microblogging before, and now I'm in-the-know! You are very clear on what it is and the benefits it can give individuals as well as teachers. I like how you mention the downfalls as well.
It certainly sounds like microblogging will be the next trend. If 'cell phones in the classroom' is already a 'hot' topic among educators, just wait until everyone catches on to this! I think you're smart to use it to your advantage! You'll be the up-to-date, not out-dated coach!
Great analysis and explanation. You brought up some very valid and useful ways that microblogging could be used. It sounds like a great use for your teams. So many people do not check email regularly but almost everyone had there cell phone on them and could get the message quickly.
Microblogging seems like a great way to connect to students in the classroom. I think it's great that you brought up some of the difficulties, becuase I can only imagine how easy it could be to get off topic. But I think if microblogging is used as a supplement in the classroom it would be very beneficial to students.
Like other responses, I liked how it can be such a valuable tool for coaching. Many times practice is changed or cancelled, is this offers a quick way to get in touch with your atheletes.
Before reading your journal i had no idea what microblogging was. Thanks for writing suck a clear blog about what it is.
I really learned alot about microblogging on your post. Very informative and thorough. I really had no idea what it was and am glad you put it together the way you did. It seems like an amazing tool and resourse for the classroom and the kids. I look forward to using it in the future for my own use and my students as well!
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