FSI 2009
 
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Mastering Micro-blogging

 
Micro-blogging is a form of blogging that allows users to write brief text updates (usually less than 200 characters) and publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group, which can be chosen by the user. This hands-on session will introduce various micro-blogging tools, including Twitter, Jaiku, Tumblr, and Edmodo and discuss pedagogical possibilities of integrating these technologies in the learning environment.

Session Tag

Session Objectives

  • Define micro-blogging
  • Compare blogging to micro-blogging
  • Explore popular microblogging tools Twitter and Tumblr
  • Discuss pedagogical possibilities and pitfalls of microblogs
  • Share recommendations for best practices

Definitions

Examples

Uses

  • Group collaborations and status updates
  • Class announcements delivered online and via sms
  • In-field activities and updates
  • Brainstorming
  • Notetaking
  • Real-time collaborations via mobile devices

Benefits

  • Speed
  • Mobility
  • Sociability
  • Syndication
  • Aggregation

Steps to Getting Started

  1. Create a free account
  2. Start posting updates
  3. Follow your friends and colleagues

Recommendations

  • Consider what you will and won't post
  • Keep posted URLs short - use a URL shortener like TinyURL.com
  • Show @replies for the people you follow
  • Create separate Twitter account for teaching purposes/courses

Cite this session/handout as:
 
Rhode, J. F. (2009, May 20). Mastering micro-blogging. Presented at Faculty Summer Institute on Teaching Technologies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.