It's time to connect: Twitter for educational purposes

Abstract

The expansion of the internet has enabled a free flow of information allowing the connection between educators and students where knowledge can be shared both ways. This growth in technology has led to an explosion in the use of social media. Data indicates that Twitter is one of the most common social media tools used by 25-54 age-group. Learning how this tool is used for educational purposes is useful in the area of higher education as most of the university students fit within this cohort. In this paper we look at the history and exponential growth of Twitter as a micro-blogging tool and illustrate how it is used in classrooms around the world from early childhood to tertiary. Further, we weigh up the challenges faced by advocates of change within education and explore the voices of dissent. We conclude that the use of Twitter has a huge potential when used for educational purposes.