Public Speaking, Death and Twitter in the Classroom

Hi, everyone:
I just worked up a blog on using Twitter in the classroom and I’d love to get your feedback on it.

I’d also like to start a dialogue about getting our more reluctant students to engage in an open dialogue during in-class discussions.

I’ve heard more than a few teachers argue against classroom technology like Twitter and Student Response Systems. They suggest that this type of technology caves to our students’ insecurities and fails to prepare them to navigate the give-and-take of “real” conversation. Is there any truth in this? What are your thoughts?

If you're interested, you can read the blog here.

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Permalink Reply by Danielle Hartman on August 8, 2012 at 4:25pm

I would love to use Twitter in the classroom, but it is blocked and as far as I know, we are not allowed to have students on our social media accounts. I do, however, use todaysmeet.com frequently. It works great for getting my reluctant students to participate, and my more vociferous students to allow others a chance to speak. It isn't as good as twitter because it isn't connected, but it is better than nothing!

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Permalink Reply by Karen Cameron on August 14, 2012 at 1:48pm

Hi, Danielle:

I know quite a few teachers who are in the same boat as you. Lots of schools even block sites like YouTube--which is a shame because videos are so useful for illustrating an off-the-cuff point or analogy, you know?

Regarding Today's Meet though: I agree, it's not as good as Twitter, but it'll do in a pinch. Thank you for reading and commenting.