To the Cloud! Exploring Tools to Enhance Teaching and Learning: Twitter

Twitter:  Free
http://twitter.com/

"Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest information about what you find interesting. Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the conversations."

"Twitter is the best way to discover what’s new in your world."

paper.li: Free
 http://paper.li/

"organizes links shared on Twitter and Facebook into an easy to read newspaper-style format.  A great way to discover content that matters to you - even if you are not connected 24/7!"

Twitter is beginning to find its place in our libraries and classrooms.  Ways you can use Twitter include:

• Welcome students feedback by sharing your Twitter handle at the beginning of class.  Be mindful of making the back-channel public.  It can be distracting to you and your students.
• Use Twitter in place of discussion boards.  Have students listen to the lecture and comment or "Tweet" while the lecture is is progress.  This keeps dialog open and allows questions to be answered as the arise.
• Twitter allows you to watch conversations and presentations in real time.  For example  http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6708199.html
• Try embedding yourself in a class via Twitter.  This allows you to post links and participate in real time discussions.
• Foster global connections. Students can access current event information from the people living through those events. 
• Your library blog can update to a Twitter feed.

Keep the discussion going! 

#LibCloudTools