A “Revisited” blog post indicates that I reread the original and used AI-assisted tools (e.g., Grammarly) to improve grammar and word choice.
First published April 25, 2014
Five years ago, I was pretty hesitant to use Twitter. My student assistants found little value in using it. They failed to see differences between it and, say, the “update function” of Facebook. I read two books about it, consulted several Carroll alums who DO use it (thanks to Chris G, Lori S, and Fred K.), and studied fellow academics’ Twittering experiences documented in publications I closely read and value. I objected to the Procrustean process of reducing my thoughts, ideas, and communications to 140 characters or less (“thought bytes”). Also, I was petrified at my inability to decrease or at least slow down my communication and information acquisition activities. I need and treasure having time to reflect, read, assimilate, and create.
Since then, however, I have reconsidered Twitter as a learning tool. “To Twit or not to Twit?” for me is no longer the appropriate way to frame the issue. Instead, the questions for me are:
- Under what circumstances might Twitter enable my capabilities for more successful teaching?
- How can I use Twitter to improve my ability to find answers to questions I am investigating?
- How can I minimize the costs to me (time away from other things; wheat to chaff ratio) of my using Twitter?
- How can I best manage the tool?
Today Twitter is an invaluable personal learning and communication resource that I have fine-tuned for my particular needs. Currently, I choose to follow 78 “thought leaders” whom I very much admire. I am comparing several Twitter-management apps (e.g., Tweetbot), which promise to help me optimize the efficiency of my tool use. Now I need to consider implementing these Advanced Twitter Tips I encountered tonight!
