Can we use Twitter for educational purposes?

November 11, 2020

Twitter is a micro-blogging also known as nano-blogging and enable users to send and publish short messages (maximum 140 characters) to reach the influx of audiences in a quicker way.

It is an important source of news and usually only contains text. It is a multidirectional communication channel and the content should be: interesting, fun, valuable, timely, relevant and appealing.

What are the possibilities for educational purpose?

- a discussion board or message board for a class;

- post reminders for assignment due dates or share inspirational quotes and helpful links to practice quizzes or other resources;

- discussions and Twitter chats surrounding a specific hashtag that they create.

Benefits of Twitter for educational use?

The majority of the reviewed studies of Twitter showed up that students improved not only learning, motivation, engagement and communication but also teaching benefitted as well, all of which leads towards creating a more resourceful classroom environment.

The 140 characters limit makes students think critically and creatively on communicating concisely and effectively.

Disadvantages of Twitter for educational use?

- it might be that some students do not have/ do not want to have Twitter account;

- it can distract students from the study;

- inappropriate behaviours when writing or when interacting (abuse or bully with peers or teachers);

- it can never replace one-to-one interaction, for personal relationship and social life.

Application for educational use

When planning the use of this tool, teachers:

- need to find out if all students use or can use Twitter;

- prevent uncontrolled situations. It is also important to make students aware of the good conducts/practices in advance: online professionalism and digital footprint.

- must explain its use within the course and how it is expected to be used.