What X (formally Twitter) is, and how you can use it to engage your students.
X (formally Twitter) is an online communication service to enable people to stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent messages. People post Tweets, which may contain photos, videos, links, and text. These messages are posted to your profile, sent to your followers, and are searchable on X search.
These Tweets are like short blog posts, a list of which is called a Feed. X users can build a list of other users whose Tweets they Follow. The tweets of all those you have chosen to follow are displayed on your home timeline.
Tweets can simply be short informative messages broadcast to the web or discussions between a group of users or individuals with similar interests. They can also include referencing words or ‘hashtags’ created by yourself or other users.
Why use X?
- X can complement other activities in a blended teaching context.
- 140 characters is not a lot but can be an incentive for more frequent engagement.
- You can create a course Hashtag and use it to post topical information or thoughtful questions.
- Hashtags can also be employed as a ‘backchannel’ for questions and discussion during lectures or conferences.
- You and your students can build personal networks/community
- Engages less vocal students
- Encourages discussion about wider material.
Good practice
X is just another tool that you can use to enhance the learning of your students. Be careful with it. Be aware of information overload. You already use Announcements on Canvas and chat in Teams calls. Make sure you use this tool for a specific reason.
140 characters is not a lot. Make sure you Tweet a good question/communication so that your students can answer/reply in 140 characters. Don’t use multiple messages because you want to say more. Use the right tool for the job.
X is more of a conversation than a discussion. There are only 140 characters. Canvas course discussions can be in-depth. X puts the finger on the pulse.
Hints and Tips
- If you choose to use X, make sure all your students know how to access it, and have created an account to be able to reply to your Tweets. Do not leave anyone out. Check that all students can post and reply.
- Do not use X when you should be using Canvas. Remember that Canvas is your primary Learning Management System.
- If you use X, really use X. Encourage it’s use. Do not expect all students to join in straight away or make immediate insightful comments. Build the community to make it work for you and your learners.