...that Twitter is a tool for education, but not the strongest.

Beyond Bieber: Twitter improves student learning (Michigan State news release)

Christine Greenhow, an assistant professor of education at Michigan State, thinks so.  In Twitteracy: Tweeting as a New Literary Practice, she determines that "college students who tweet as part of their instruction are more engaged with the course content and with the teacher and other students, and have higher grades."

Among the improvements of students using this social platform was the ability to "write concisely."  Sure, if you think the mangling of the English language demonstrated by students is an acceptable compromise.

I'm not sure I agree that Twitter is the most influential tool in education.  First, I blame AT&T for my lack of cell signal on UNCC's campus.  I can't Tweet during class if I wanted.  :P

Second, the speed of Twitter moves so very fast.  I've stopped following certain sites because they post too darn much stuff.  You have to constantly follow it to use Twitter to its maximum potential.  History Iguana does not like to bring her technology to the beach...  (Haha!)

Third, I believe that Youtube is a better tool to improve the educational experience.  The classroom is becoming more digital, and there is less need for the physical classroom.  That's not to say that I don't enjoy classes in-person - I like talking to people.  However, a lot of information that we sat through lectures in undergrad in a class of 100 could easily be conveyed through a Youtube video you can watch at midnight at home in your pajamas.  Khan Academy is a revolutionary educational site that is sweeping the nation.  The concept plays off of the flipped classroom, where students do their "classroom" work at home and then their homework in class where they can consult with teachers.  While Khan targets elementary and secondary education, the company's use of video and self-study is something that easily translates to college.

Youtube is also a critical tool for public historians.  Videos (here and here) I have made during the documentary production course last semester are available at that site.  My thesis project, also a documentary video, also will be available at this site.  Perhaps I have been overtly influenced by Dr. Morrill, who is a true believer that videos are the best method to convey information today.  But he has been very successful in promoting local history through the use of video.

Now, a video-centric course work for graduate school?  I believe not, and especially for history.  Our courses are about dialogue that is best conveyed vocally and in person.  We write enough as it is.

Twitter is definitely useful for posting links and information.  However, in creating dialogue with a professor/student, does it really accomplish anything else that email can't?