I have never been particularly interested in either Twitter or Facebook (which I fondly refer to as stalkerbook), because I never really saw it as beneficial. After 24hrs of tweeting and following tweets, I have come to the preliminary conclusion that its power lies in a shared community. Perhaps it can foster community engagement? Perhaps this is how it can be incorporated into a learning programme.....Perhaps a side skill is learning to say what you want to say in 140 words or less - now that's what I would call 'succint'! A skill that many boardroom executives should master!
What an idea! My fond love of "stalkerbook" as you call it has had me itching to use it more with students, twitter, I'm not so sure of though. I know from talking to people in various industries and organizations that this is the way that the bussiness world is moving now and major decisions are being made via social networks and the like. I think it's a good idea to incorporate that into a learning environment, the only issue that I feel could come up is that you may find learners (especially adult learners) who are a bit resistant to this form of engagement and may not even have the technology to use it. Remember, adult learning theories (androgogy) require those learners (25yrs and older) to use their existing knowledge and apply it to what they are expected to learn now. I am sure that once you have overcome the hurdle that is technophobia, it will work!
ReplyDeleteHappy tweets to you!
Lianne
Hey Tweeter!
ReplyDeleteI joined twitter quite some time ago, but admittedly used it to follow others rather than post anything myself. I enjoyed that immediacy of contact with others, and being on top of the newest info regarding certain people or topics. With regards to tweeting myself, or posting anything on a social website like Facebook, I've struggled getting over my own intense sense of privacy and wondered why anyone would want to know what's happening with me right at that second, or what I might be thinking.
What I've realised is exactly what you've stumbled upon - that sense of community, and in a society in which social isolation is becoming an increasing problem for various reasons, social networks offer an increasing sense of belonging and the ability to maintain contact with others.
There is also a sense of freedom in just putting your thoughts out there, and inviting comment from others ... it's definitely helped me be more free with my opinions, as you can more often than not be more articulate in writing that you can in person ... also helps for those moments when you say 'Aw - I wish I'd had time to think about a come-back!'
within my setting as a clinical educator, I think social networks would be great in creating that sense of community with students, particularly if they are placed far apart (e.g. at community settings during clinical placement). They are then able to share thoughts, tips and experiences, and just be there as support for one another.