Click the icon to read the Center's "Tweets"

Twitter allows users to easily broadcast or receive short 140 character-long messages. These messages, called “Tweets,” are similar to standard cell-phone text messages. The difference is instead of sending a text-message to one or two people, your “Tweets” are sent to anyone who has subscribed to your Twitter feed.

This video gives a general overview of the original purpose of Twitter.

Check out Wikipedia for the “official” definition.

Why is The Center for University Teaching & Learning using Twitter?

We’re experimenting with Twitter as a quick and easy way to push content to our users. Our posts will mostly contain links to interesting articles and events about teaching and learning and technology. It will be information that we wouldn't officially post to our Web sites but feel that some users may find it valuable. Our posts will not necessarily be about “what we are doing.”

How do I receive updates on The Center for University Teaching and Learning "Tweets"?

View our "Tweets" on this page. A Twitter account isn't necessary to view our tweets on this page. If you're on Twitter, follow us by searching for thecenter_nccu.

How can I use Twitter in the classroom?

The jury is still out on using Twitter in the classroom. There are a few examples of professors using it to continue the discussion outside of class or using it as a classroom notepad for brain storming. Here are a few resources with examples of specific ways to use Twitter in the classroom:

• “A Professor's Tips for Using Twitter in the Classroom”, The Chronicle of Higher Education
• "50 Ways to Use Twitter in the College Classroom", OnlineColleges.net
• "25 Ways to Teach with Twitter". Tech and Learning. This article encourages educators to use Twitter as a micro-blogging  tool (like the Center's Tweets) rather than talking about details of your life.
• "The Twitter Experiment", video. A professor at the University of Texas uses Twitter to encourage class discussion.
• "100 Serious Twitter Tips for Academics", BestCollegesOnline.com
• “Twitter for Academia”, Blog post

How do I get started?

Here is an article that outlines how to start Twittering.

Privacy and security

Twitter collects personally identifiable information about its users and shares it with third parties. The service considers that information an asset, and reserves the right to sell it if the company changes hands. (Wikipedia). As with all Web-based applications, be sure to review the Terms of Service for each application before proceeding.

If you are interested in integrating Twitter into your teaching, contact Dan Reis at the Center for University Teaching and Learning.