Why is TWITTER so powerful?

There are two types of people in the world. Those who get Twitter and those who don't.

OK, I'm joking, but Twitter does seem to divide people. What can you say that's worthwhile in 140 characters? some people ask. Others claim that much of the Twitterverse is vacuous rubbish that isn't worth reading.

Well, anyone who uses Twitter on a regular basis will tell you that the power of the tool is not so much in its content, but in its ability to connect you to other people. The same applies of course to any other social networking tool, but unlike Facebook for example, Twitter contains very few distractions. It's stripped down and very simple. There are no frivolous food fights, 'poking' or third party games such as Farmville contained within its wrapper. Twitter quite simply connects you with people who are interesting, informative or humorous.

And here's the real power: The more you connect on Twitter, the more connections you get. For me, the value of Twitter is in tapping into its social critical mass. I think that most people who try Twitter and fail to see its value don't give it enough time. If they persisted and put some time into developing their contacts and connections on Twitter, they may discover that it pays them back for the time they have invested. To do this they can use lists, following those who are good value and produce useful content, while at the same time tweeting content that others may find useful.

No, Twitter is not so much about the information and useful links you can gain access to. Twitter is powerful because it allows people to share their emotions - you can gain a window on their everyday experiences, and that often helps you in your own daily struggles. I am often encouraged by people who share snapshots of what is happening in their lives right now. It's an important dimension - I have made many friends on Twitter whom I have later met and strengthened my friendships with. Self disclosure is a risky thing, but others often reciprocate. It can all be summed up by a quote from one of my favourite authors:

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one." - C. S. Lewis

http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-twitter-is-so-powerful.html

Twitter ICT Education

What can we do now?

With all of the limitations, or barriers, to provide the technologies we want it is easy to get frustrated as educators and administrators. But, there are things we can do NOW that can help. For what it’s worth, here’s what I think we need to do now:

#1: Create wireless space throughout our school campus so that students can use their own devices to access the Internet and open the door to digital possibilities. I know what you are thinking, what about requirements on regulating access for students? It can be done with the right policies, and good ole fashion staff responsibility and supervision. Let’s face it, we will never be able to keep up with the latest technology tools, nor will we have to. Why not let students bring their own in and use them to be actively engaged in their own learning, through devices they have on them 24/7? These devices might be smartphones that they are using their own 3/4g networks, or they might be an iTouch, iPad, other tablets, or netbooks that they bring in of their own that have wifi capabilities. The time is coming when everyone will have their own mobile device, so why are we fighting it? The time has come for us to give them the door to the world, allow for flexibility on their ‘transportation’ and then facilitate their voyage. We need to be open-minded and really, truly think through how we can make it happen. On all levels we need to start asking questions: Do we have wireless hotspots? How can we get more? Why can’t we allow students to access and use their phones, iPads, iTouchs, eReaders at school? What kind of policies can we encourage our board members to write to allow more connectivity? What can I do to get the ball rolling?

#2: We need to shift the importance from the tool to the purpose. From specific applications/software to teaching our students how to navigate in many digital applications. I want our students to leave being able to trouble-shoot and problem solve their way through many platforms, tools, and software applications. I also want them to know where to go if they can’t figure it out, to be self-motivated learners that turn to digital resources like youtube, Google, twitter and other digital networks to help themselves. So, yes I want them to be self-motivated to adapt from one application to another and to know when they need to turn to others for assistance. Imagine that, scholarly independence and adaptability. Yes, that is what I want. WE can do this, RIGHT NOW by exposing our students to many different tools, and allowing them to choose the one that best fits the task at hand. Give them the goal (to show evidence of learning) and let them run with it, using their chosen tool and project that can show their learning. We can facilitate student learning, without dictating the exact path.

#3: Provide many different learning opportunities, including access to quality online learning courses. This goes for student and staff learning as well. We need to get away from ’seat time’ and think more about ‘learning time’.

These are just three of the big priorities I see and by achieving these it will open doors for other changes to occur. In order for any of these to happen we need everyone working together: instructional administrators, IT managers, educators, support staff, parents, and students. The learning environment can truly be an open learning environment where we all take responsibility for our progress to reach our potential. Are you willing to work towards it? Are you willing to push towards it? Am I way out there with these? Let me know what you think… and add your priorities here.

See: http://vestaltech.edublogs.org/2011/02/05/the-new-school/

iTouch Learning

I've read this on the blog of Jane Knight and thought it was worth sharing:

I have recently been investigating the use of the iPod Touch for learning and performance support purposes.

The iPod Touch is the little brother (or sister!) of the iPhone; it has pretty much all the same functionality except for its mobile phone capability. 

It is therefore much more than just an iPod/MP3 player.  You can watch (MPEG-4) videos on it, and it also has on board a range of Internet applications (e.g. Safari browser, mail reader, YouTube player and Google Maps reader).  You can connect to the Internet wherever there is WiFi connectivity.

The multi-touch interface lets you control everything with just two fingers; and there is also a touch-screen QWERTY keyboard when you need it.  The accelerometer detects  when you rotate it from portrait to landscape and adjusts the contents accordingly.  Just like any other iPod you can synchronise your audio files with iTunes, but with the Touch you can also sync your email accounts, bookmarks, contacts and so on.

I consider the iPod Touch to be a very useful mobile learning device. 

I've also been putting together a list of the top web apps and optmised sites for the iPod Touch for learning and performance support purposes, as well as collecting tips to get the most out of it as well as other resources about its use.  I've added a new section to the Centre's website, called iTouch Learning to share these findings, and of course would be very pleased to receive any links to other relevant web apps, resources, etc that could be added to the lists.

iTouch Learning

05 May 2008 at 08:11 AM in 

Get going

I attended the Learning@school conference in Rotorua last week. One of the keynotes was delivered by David Warlick (Landmark project, USA). David's presentation was on "Telling the New Story" and it was absolutely inspiring. His key message was that we have to: "Prepare our kids not for a future of security, but for a future of opportunity". My/Our challenge is to make it happen in each of our schools.

Once again I have heard that international experts are amazed at the level of freedom that we have as educators in NZ. They all wish they had that at home. My question is: " What have we done with that freedom?" Often I think it is just same old, same old (maybe with a few new gadgets).

I have come back with the resolution to stay focused and work hard to ensure real change will happen. So watch out, here we come!!!