To Twitter or Not To Twitter: That is NOT the Question
There's a discussion going on at Educational Discource about Twitter. Some of the focus is on whether teachers actually have time to Twitter throughout their day, and since not everyone does, then we're missing out on part of the conversation: those that aren't getting their voices posted in 140 characters. I've seen this argument attributed to other tools as well (blogs, wikis, etc) and it's a valid argument. Fortunately, Twitter is not the only platform to share and exchange.
In the discussion, missprofe admits to "still trying to wrap [her] mind around what [Twitter] can do for [her] personally and professionally." I've heard this from many people, and said it myself before I actually tried Twitter. Personally, I don't think Twitter is the vehicle for everyone, and even for myself who is an enthusiast, I use the tool sporadically. It depends on whether I remember to turn on my Twitterific, or whether I feel like being interrupted or not, or a hundred other variables and I am even more inconsistent in the "Tweets" that I publish. In short, I am "Twitter-fickle."
I don't think we need to "take sides" over Twitter any more than we do over our favorite television shows, or our favorite movies (though I've seen good friends get into heated arguments over movie likes/dislikes). I don't think any of the Web 2.0 tools are absolute staples, but rather, add to the banquet of choices to connect with other professionals, including those that are traditional and non-technological (conferences, staff rooms, at the copier, etc.). Even though we don't need to take sides, I'm sure that we probably often do, and that some might even agree with "missprofe" who writes in the discussion that "there seems to be what I call a 'Twitter Clique'; the same people talking with each other, and not seemingly interested to allow others to join in. Unless of course, one is “down” with the conversation." I'm sure Twitter can feel this way as inside jokes and messages are often in the Twitter feed. But I guess any school's staff room could feel this way as well.
The thing is, Twitter might not even be a tool in existence in 5 years, so it is perhaps pointless singing its praises or arguing that it's pointless. In his comment, Frank clearly articulates what is essential in the discussion:
I’m not so worried about teachers not tweeting. However, having said that. I am VERY concerned about their ability and desire to maintain currency in their professional networks. I have always said as a teacher trainer that your best resource is not me (the trainer), it is another teacher out “there” teaching just as you are.So tweet if you can because twitter offers “just-in-time” professional development and finger-tip resources, but if you can’t then somehow a teacher MUST find those vehicles to keep current and sharing, yes every week… not at just the quarterly or monthly scheduled teacher training program or annual pedagogical roundup. So, how about popping into http://classroom20.ning.com, or http://metamexico.ning.com, or getting your google reader set to capture all the RSS “goodies” or setting up a del.cio.us network, and so on and so on. With a little setting up, all the information is waiting for you at the touch of a button, with or without twitter.
At least once a week, please…
Frank
I think Frank "nails it" when he talks about an "ability and desire to maintain currency in their professional networks." I love that term "currency" in this context. Having the means to "share" and engage professionally with other colleagues is essential for any profession (and not just at the "monthly scheduled" times as Frank points out). There have always been tools to allow for teachers to do this, but with many of the Web 2.0 tools that now exist, it's become so much easier and more... well, constant. The great thing about these tools is they don't have to require a large commitment. Meaning that, because the conversation is being maintained by so many, it continues whether I'm online with it or not. Like a faucet, I can turn it on and off at my choosing. I can take a small sip or a bath in its constant flow. Like Frank, I believe it doesn't matter which tool you use or even the quantity to which one partakes ( (I think Frank's suggestion of at least once a week sounds fair). What is important is that we do in fact find some "vehicle to keep current and sharing". And since the world is evolving to use these digital tools to collaborate and our students are becoming well versed in these tools on their own, shouldn't we as educators be a part of this "real world" experience?
It doesn't have to be Twitter. It just has to be something.
Comments
Hi Bob --
Thank you for this post....
I have to admit that I have to turn of twitter while I am at work -- because it became too big of a distraction -- but that is just my viewpoint.
I agree that certain people do just talk to certain people -- but that would be true in any conversational environment, would it not??
What intrigues me, is how some people get anything done at their jobs, based on the amount of twittering that they do. Perhaps they are much much more organized and disciplined than I, but I am amazed at some who say that they are "in-classroom" teachers and still have time to twitter throughout the day. I don't see how they have enough time. (But then again, I am not in their shoes, am I?)
I do like the fact that twitter is available though when help is needed. I appreciate the fact that my network (though not as large as some) seems to be available 24/7 -- and I have gotten help almost every time I have asked.
I think the biggest clarification in the use of twitter has to be "ME" (insert your own name there! -- LOL) and how you use it, how you interpret it, how you utilize it, if you see the power of it -- eventually lies with the person who types in their name to sign in (doesn't it??)
Thanks for a good post, Bob!
Posted by: JenWagner | March 13, 2008 8:05 PM
Hi, Bob.
Thank you for linking to me and for refererencing my comments re: Twitter. Although I still don't know how I can use it, and, although I still perceive it as being cliqueish, I have made some good collegial contacts as a result.
Posted by: Miss Profe | March 13, 2008 8:48 PM
Bob: I agree the idea and goal of maintaining, broadening, and refining one's own professional learning network is the key. In regard to Jen's comment, I am struck more every day by how important it is that we as teachers, and the students we teach, are talking and learning about information management strategies. At some level it seems people just assume that with email, people can just "figure out on their own" how to use these tools appropriately. That is not the case at many levels. I know many people are already overwhelmed by the information they have to deal with on a daily basis, so strategies for coping and managing are essential.
Twitter doesn't fit into a neat "box" in terms of how it is being used or can be used. It's therefore valuable to see how people are using it to make and maintain connections.
One of the best educational uses I've seen of Twitter to date was at the Learning 2.0 conference in Shanghai. Everyone there face-to-face was encouraged to join and follow the conference twitter account, and thereby use it as a way to make connections with others during and following the conference.
I like your point that we don't have to "choose sides" when it comes to Twitter. In so many cases in education, some people seem overly eager to paint people into camps. Like any tool, Twitter can be used well or misused. I think it is great to see so many educators giving it a try-- but I'd like to see even more creative uses and applications of it. Maybe someone could sponsor a contest for creative and innovative uses of Twitter for learning? Maybe someone already is doing this?
Posted by: Wesley Fryer | March 14, 2008 4:33 PM
Thank you for the reminder that its the networking and exchange of information among us that matters most, not which tool we use to do it. Believe it or not, there are still some very real access issues out here--even for teachers.
Posted by: Renee Moore | March 16, 2008 6:34 AM