Sunday, October 17, 2010

Wait, I can use Twitter to teach?!

     Social networking has become a fundamental part of the global online experience. Microblogging is one of it.
     Microblogging is a broadcast medium in the form of blogging, which differs from a traditional blog, for microblogging is much smaller. One of the microblogging softwares that we are familiar with is Twitter. Twitter is continuously being popular which has already 190 million users. Most people consider Twitter as a tool to relax and socialize with others. However, teachers can also use Twitter to teach! 
     From the two articles that I read, I conclude some ways to integrate the use of Twitter into English language teaching to help facilitate students' learning. ("Can we use Twitter for educational activities?" & "Nine great reasons why teachers should use Twitter")
     Firstly, since Twitter is a great medium for sharing ideas and getting instant feedback, teachers can create a group for their students on Twitter and encourage students to post their ideas in regard to learning English. Students can also raise questions on Twitter, and through this means, peer teaching is promoted as well. Teachers can also post interesting and thought provoking discussion questions every now and then to get students involved outside classroom. By using Twitter as a study means, students improve their skills in reading and writing and the ability to do academic research, and at the same time their knowledge is broadened.
     Besides, students get a lot of information using Twitter which they are usually not exposed to a lot in class. For example, teachers can share various English language learning links and edubloggers on Twitter, so that students get more opportunities to better their studies.
     All in all, yes, as a teacher,  you should try start teaching with Twitter ASAP!

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