While learning about Twitter this week, I was quite blown away. Just as Professor Ransom stated, the media corrupted the meaning and intention of this new social network. As Twitter began to really catch on, I was so disgusted with it. Why on earth would anyone take the time to notify others of where they’re going, what they’re eating or what they’re doing and when? What is going on with society? The media totally reinforced Twitter’s silly and impractical use. I can recall a Verizon or T-Mobile commercial where there are parents and kids on a front porch. The parents are busy “twittering” and e-mailing while the kids are giving them the “low-down” on what to do and what not to do with their phones. The father is “tweeting” about just sitting on the porch and immediately that gives the perception that this social network is a waste of time.
It really put it into perspective for me when Professor Ransom pulled up his Twitter account and sent a message out to his hundreds of followers regarding the importance and impact of Web 2.0. Within two minutes a man from South Africa replied stating how he teaches a Web 2.0 class. That really hit home for me. How amazing, you can instantly chat, ask questions, collaborate and learn from people around the world. It was so moving I’m surprised I didn’t cry (especially with everything that’s been going on lately)! Who knew that while the media was sensationalizing its’ silliness, educators and others were taking full advantage of its collaborative, up-to-date and informative use! It’s amazing how it just takes one person to see something differently to change your entire perspective on a piece of technology that might have otherwise been completely written off.
rstockb9 said,
October 4, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I have to admit I was pretty anti-Twitter before last class. The media really warped the purpose and potential of the technology and I just dismissed it. After this class I find myself re-examining not just Twitter, but Facebook/ MySpace as well. Well, maybe not MySpace as much, it’s still has too many spammers for my liking, but maybe Facebook.
danielleslentz said,
October 4, 2009 at 9:04 pm
As much as I like the idea of facebook, I still feel as if I’m too out there. Despite what Professor Ransom said, I don’t mind a google seach coming up blank when my name is typed in. Like we’ve talked before I’m extremely excited to start my own web page for school and my own artwork-but I’m more of a good-old fashioned scrapbook type girl! Ha, Ha!
Stephen Ransom said,
October 13, 2009 at 11:37 am
Danielle,
It’s okay for you to feel this way. All I am saying is that you can have nothing come up when you are googled, or you can have great stuff come up. Which do you think will empower you more?
carlicmu12 said,
October 6, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I felt the same way after last class! I found twitter pointless and useless why would I want anyone knowing what I am doing every point of the day, especially people I don’t even know! The media depicts twitter as a way movie stars and pro athletes tell the world what they are doing not the educational side of it. The fact we can sit in a classroom and ask 700 different people what they think about web 2.0 and the answers we got and where they came from amazed me! I still am not on twitter not sure I have a great use for it yet but maybe once I am teaching I will feel differently. Great post!
mdumas4 said,
October 8, 2009 at 11:34 am
I definitely feel the same way. Twitter has been in the news numerous times recently. I did not really even know what it was until Dr. Ransom told us in class. When I heard it on the news I would think to myself, “Twitter is so stupid.” I would never get it. After finding out the true purpose of Twitter, it makes me feel like it would not be so bad to get an account. As you said, when we were using it in class someone from South Africa tweeted us. That just amazing. Imagine all the possibilities that can come out of talking to people from other countries. My other class was talking about cultural diversity and how we have to be aware of all cultural beliefs when teaching. Teachers having a Twitter account can open up the doors to so many opportunities on getting cultural information. I do not think it is so stupid anymore. Maybe it will teach me and probably many others a lesson not believe everything I hear on the news!
danielleslentz said,
October 12, 2009 at 1:28 pm
It’s awesome how we as students get the opportunity to see this technology the way it’s meant to be used. The problem comes when we (one teacher) try to describe and “sell” it to our fellow faculty members and administration. I wish schools would realize the importance of at least staying aware of the technology that’s out there to better serve and educate our students. Not that I want for schools to have to have one more thing added to their busy and hectic agenda as it is, but it would be beneficial for some sort of required workshop/presentation on educational technology and the many benefits it has on today’s education. Showing videos like the ones Dr. Ransom showed us, or skyping a famous author/illustrator to answer questions from teachers, etc. would be the way to get the entire faculty on board, aware of or even excited about the benefits of some of this new technology.
I just find that once I leave EDTS 523 on Tuesday and walk into school on Wednesday, all of that adrenaline and excitement over Twitter or Skype just seems to fade away once I begin talking about it with our Technology Teacher. It’s great stuff, but we’re just not ready for it, is what I usually get! How can we get faculty/administrators more on board? Who do we have to hire or how do we have to present the material so others feel that it’s worth it enough to try and use?
Stephen Ransom said,
October 13, 2009 at 11:36 am
An all-too often response: ” It’s great stuff, but we’re just not ready for it, is what I usually get!”
For many, there are significant hurdles to conquer… and that varies from district to district. But that shouldn’t impede you from embracing such tools professionally. When able, you can integrate them into your classroom, but long before that, there is so much that can benefit you personally/professionally by learning about such tools for yourself. And here lies the great truth… you can’t really advocate for these tools very well until you understand them very well and have productive experience with them. That is often what holds back their introduction into the schools… teachers are clueless (not wanting to sound negative here). So, try them out for yourself. That is the key to advocating for your students, school, district… Success breeds success – and your building principals will want others to know about your successes. That’s how it often begins…
What a Network Can Do For You | EdTechTrek said,
October 14, 2009 at 5:18 pm
[...] had been tossed around in class. Some students blogged about finally giving Twitter a try and being energized at how teachers were using these tools in real ways with their students. Others blogged about the “aha” moment of seeing how technology does not have to be an [...]
Playing, Not Watching the Game | EdTechTrek said,
October 15, 2009 at 9:59 am
[...] had been tossed around in class. Some students blogged about finally giving Twitter a try and being energized at how teachers were using these tools in real ways with their students. Others blogged about the “aha” moment of seeing how technology does not have to be an [...]