I haven’t really tried this yet, but on a theoretical level I’m pretty sure Twitter could be one of the most powerful Web 2.0 applications. Twitter taps in to the hyper-connectedness of students-constant texting, status updates on Myspace and Facebook. In order to test my theory, I just created a Twitter account to be used only for school.

So, what is Twitter?

Twitter is a form of “micro-blogging.” With Twitter you can post quick updates that students can read online, or, if they choose, via a text message to their phones. These messages, at most, can be 140 characters. Most URLs are compressed.

How “safe” is Twitter?

On my blog, I told students that they can “follow” my updates, but I won’t follow their updates. In addition, you can block any unwelcome followers. But Twitter updates do get posted in the open – although there are so many updates, it’s almost as if they are private.

How can Twitter be used in the classroom?

I see several ways in which Twitter can be used in the classroom, but I’ll begin with the most basic and most useful:

• Once their mobile devices are set up for Twitter updates, students AND PARENTS can receive homework and test reminders via text message.
• Study for tests. Once students add one another on Twitter, they can ask questions and any one of their followers can answer.
• Give students practice in writing concisely. They only have 140 characters to get their points across.

Who uses Twitter?

As far as I know, Metrolink Trains is using Twitter to update riders on delayed trains, CNN and The New York Times are using it to link readers to breaking news stories, and Metro Los Angeles is using it to update commuters on street conditions.

How do I sign up?

To get updates, you need to do the following:

1. Sign up for Twitter. Be sure to use an appropriate screen name.
2. Click the following: My Twitter account
3. Underneath my picture will be the word, “Follow.” Click on that and you’ll get all my updates.

To get the updates on your phone:

1. Go to settings in the upper, right-hand corner on Twitter.
2. Click “Devices.”
3. Enter your cell phone number
4. Select, “It’s okay for Twitter to send txt messages to my phone. Standard rates apply.”

Two Final Recommendations

If you find Twitter useful, I recommend creating two accounts. One for school and one for personal use.

Once you start using Twitter, install Twitterfox on your Firefox browser. Sign in and the only time you will have to visit Twitter.com is to add new people to follow.

Make it private!

1. Go to settings
2. Scroll to the bottom
3. Click on the button that says, “Protect my updates.”