Can Twitter be Effective in the Classroom?.

No one can argue that today’s University students are more technology savvy and also multi-task more than ever. They communicate regularly using primarily digital methods on their mobile devices. Communication methods range from text messages, email and using various social media (SM) platforms. This multi-tasking and ready access to a mobile device has led to numerous debates regarding the potential classroom distractions for students during traditional “education” and “if” there is a place for SM technology in the classroom. I personally embraced SM as a tool for my classes several years ago because I saw the potential for active learning and encouraging “life-long” learning. Two years ago I embraced Twitter, a microblogging and social networking platform that allows users to post 140-character updates, and integrated Twitter as a supplement to my lecture courses. This form of SM has allowed for healthy, dynamic delivery of course content outside the four walls of the lecture room. Twitter has allowed some students to become more engaged in the courses and have found that students, both current and former, appreciate the regular updates and opportunities to "ask an expert". Additionally, Purdue University has engaged various SM technologies on a platform called “HotSeat”. This has been used effectively in large lecture halls where facilitating active participation is difficult. In summary, existing and new SM platforms will continue to evolve and today’s students will continue to embrace SM. They expect their campuses and educators to be innovative and use all methods including SM to facilitate learning.