I am a Johnny-come-lately to the Twitter scene (Twittersphere). I thought Twitter was nothing more than instant messaging on steroids. Forget information overload. I saw it as information suicide. Experience has changed my mind.
It’s Thursday evening, Thanksgiving Day in the United States. I’ve been following the #Mumbai hash tag on Twitter, and it has been a learning journey in more ways than one.
- I’ve learned that Twitter can be a source of up-to-the-second information from around the world. No filters. No holds barred. Twitter updates are flooding in as fast as I can read them from people around the world who are either following the Mumbai terror attacks as I am or who are actually witnessing the events.
- I’ve learned that the world is smaller than ever before. I’m part of a community of people from countries around the world who are engaged by the same event at the very same moment in time, communicating in real-time. It’s mind-blowing.
- I’ve learned that micro-blogging services like Twitter are useful learning tools after all. Mashable reports that CNN claims the Mumbai attacks have heralded Twitter’s “coming of age.” I don’t doubt it.
When I recently succumbed to the Twitter movement, I began tentatively, following only a few individuals. The daily information I receive is so useful and informative … and it is flavored with the personalities of those who are tweeting. I’ve even joined the chorus with tweets of my own. You can distill a great deal of information from following twitterers, and you can ask questions and offer advice. I’ve found that the Twitter community is always willing to help. I’m still a Twitter newbie, but I am now sold on its worth as a learning vehicle.
For anyone not familiar with Twitter, watch Common Craft’s Twitter in Plain English video below. Subscribe to blogs like TwiTip for Twitter tips, tools, and best practices. Jane Hart is cataloging a directory of learning professionals on Twitter, which is a good place to start if you want to find well-informed twitterers in the learning industry.
My Twitter ID is @davidfair.
you didn’t mention what your twitter ID is.
By: philip73 on November 28, 2008
at 1:35 am
Thanks for reminding me, Philip. My Twitter ID is @davidfair.
By: learningjourneys on November 28, 2008
at 10:27 am
I wouldn’t call yourself a “Johnny-come-lately”, you are still in what could be characterized as a Early Adapter on Twitter.
When I began to test Twitter, I had some of the preconceptions as you, and reached out to my LinkedIn network. I was surprised how many professionals were using it. I tried it and got a lot of support from experienced members and Twitter because my primary social media tool for networking.
I am glad to see more and more educators sharing the experience. Early in 2008, few educators in eLearning were on Twitter, making it a challenge to follow people with same or similar interests. There was a presentation at DevLearn08, about Twitter, so I am hoping more educators enter the experience.
By: Tawny Press on November 30, 2008
at 2:40 pm
@Tawny Press: With growing “word of mouth” publicity and major news programs covering Twitter recently, I expect it to explode over the next year. I’m glad I jumped in when I did. It’s fascinating to watch Twitter grow – and to watch how it affects people. “Twitter addiction” is likely to enter our vocabulary soon…
By: learningjourneys on November 30, 2008
at 3:09 pm
Having just found twitter myself this was very useful. it’s amazing how many people use the commoncraft videos, I’ve seen this one everywhere today!! Thanks for the insight.
By: David Hopkins on January 29, 2009
at 12:31 pm
David, just the kind of post I was looking for. Thanks to Tony Karrer for posting this link. I’ve already followed the directive and tweeted your article.
You just reiterated my experience and initial frustration with Twitter very beautifully and arrived at what it’s designed to do.
Thanks so much for sharing this.
Sreya
By: Sreya on April 8, 2009
at 2:42 am
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