Social media toolkit

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a social networking website where you can post tweets.  A tweet is an expression of a moment or idea.  It can contain text, links, photos, and videos in 140 or less characters.  Other people or organisations on Twitter can reply to tweets, follow you so that they see everything you tweet, and send you private messages. For example, you might tweet to a politician or a celebrity and they could tweet back.  Tweeting is about creating conversations with others.  It is a great way to discuss events.

Why use Twitter for teaching and learning

Twitter is the largest microblogging platform in Australia, with 2.5 million active users in 2014.  Twitter is popular among educational professionals who use it to talk about the use of learning technologies, assessment and other educational topics.  Twitter's powerful hashtag feature makes it possible to give and receive feedback on specific topics in real time.  It can be used both inside and outside of face-to-face activities.  The 140 character restriction can force users to clarify their point and be concise in their responses.

In January 2015, Twitter ranked 8th on Social Media News's Social Media Statistics Australia list:  http://www.socialmedianews.com.au/social-media-statistics-australia-january-2015/ 

See

• Twitter in plain English by Common Craft
• Twitter for business