Twittiquette - On Using Twitter in the classroom

(inspired by “12 Most Basic Twitter Etiquette Tips,” by Malhar Barai

Twitter is a powerful social media tool and can be used for a variety of purposes. It can inform, entertain, and even persuade. It allows for the sharing of resources and ideas, of memories and revolutions. It is accessible from most everywhere, and allows a large number of people to become a part of the moment.

Today, we will be using Twitter to have a conversation about the topic at hand. Since this is a new activity, we will need to work out any kinks that arise. However, the above link can provide a solid starting point.

Here are the points I found most salient:

• Tweet less than 140
  If other want to RT (retweet) or comment, they will need space
  
• Engage - Twitter is not a monologue
  Conversations should not be one-sided, and using a virtual space follows the same logic. Imagine speaking face to face, and act accordingly.
  
• Share others’ ideas
  RT is a great way to continue the conversation or bring back an earlier point that may have been lost.
  
• Mind your manners
  Communicating through Twitter is not an excuse to be disrespectful. Remember the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated (or, “tweet others as you would like to be tweeted”...I know, bad pun)