Twittering In An Educational Setting
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 12:55PM 
I am curious what the majority of the educational population believes is adequate and/or a superfluous level of twittering in a classroom setting. My basic research shows that there is a huge gap in the different generations opinion as what is acceptable and what is considered all out rude.
Since being social always involves the free exchange of information and break down of boundries it seems that the classroom setting needs to evolve or die out. Since most colleges allow laptops in the classroom isn't twittering and other social networks just another form of the free flow of information?
At the high school and college level where online social networks are most prolific are we doing an injustice by attempting to cut this action out of the class room experience for the sake or personal pride?
I want to hear from both perspectives. Professors/ Instructors/ and Students doing the twittering, texting, emailing etc..
As Students:
- How often do you twitter while in class?
- How do you know when the professor isn't keen on your online actions?
- Do you use a laptop in class?
- Do your instructors ever expressly forbid the use of communicating online when in class?
- Do you think instructor monitor what is being said online about their class/topic?
- Do you feel your grades suffer because you are multi task and possible missing important points of the information being presented by the instructor?
- Do you want your instructors to accept this behavior?
- Experiences & your thoughts on the topic..
As Professor/Instructors:
- Do you allow twittering, texting, emailing while your students are in class?
- Do you have any policies reguarding online communication when class is in session?
- Do you consider it rude or complimentary?
- How do you monitor the classes actions during examination time?
- Do you feel your students grades suffer because they are multi task and possible missing important points of the information being presented?
- Experiences & your thoughts on the topic..
At the high school and college level where online social networks are most prolific are we doing an injustice by attempting to cut this action out of the class room experience?
In my personal opinion, in life and in class: you get out of it what you put into it. I feel you do what you have to achieve that level of personal comfort and credit you desire. Whether its multi tasking online or taking notes in class or leaving the laptop behind I seek to intelligently educate myself.
Shortened URL: http://is.gd/kHJn
Credits: Photo - Marvin (PA)
Pistachio (for reminding me I don't know how to spell "Pistachio" and peeking my curiosity)
Olivia Mitchell
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Reader Comments (5)
I do not allow twittering or texting in my classes. I do allow them to look up words they don't know or current events.
I teach an online course, and have added a Twitter account for my course (http://twitter.com/wdo). I use it as an additional feed of info for the students - I post interesting links that supplement the material they already receive from me online. Right now, I'm using it in the hopes that the students will (A) try Twitter if they're not already using it, and (B) post their own links/thoughts. Since we're already online with our own online tools in place, Twitter isn't the place where the primary communication should take place, but for me, it's an opportunity to help the students get their feet wet in another social media network they have not have tried.
I believe that any online communication, texting, twittering, etc. while in class is rude. I liken it to talking to your neighboring classmate while the teacher or another classmate is talking. I also liken it to passing notes. When I attend a class for school (and we are allowed to use our laptops) I do not sign in to any messenger service. Class is not a time for social networking, as you put it. That is what recess, breaks, and lunch are for, as well as your own personal time before and after school.
Dan,
That is a great idea. I know I would be in tune to your tweets if I were in your class. It seems like a great way to contact you as well with any last minute question. Being that available to your students is great use of twitter.
Elizabeth Hannan
Hi Courtney,
I am curious what topic you either teach or are studying. I'm certain different situations will depict different reactions.
Elizabeth Hannan