Why Use Twitter?

With more than 250 million active monthly users and more than 500 million tweets per day, Twitter is one of the most popular social networks. People are using Twitter to listen, connect, share and engage with others around the world, in real time, about almost any topic imaginable.

Those in the academic field find great value in Twitter too. Not only is Twitter a great way to do research, it’s also extremely effective in connecting students, teachers and staff to topics and conversations that are directly relevant to their education and work.

Here are a few of the many benefits of Twitter.

1. Monitor and participate in conversations in real time
Twitter Search allows you to type in keywords and hashtags about any topic, and see real-time conversations. This can help you to research topics of interest to you and your students and see what other educational institution staff and faculty are talking about. Not only can you listen in, but you can follow others and participate in the conversations too!

2. Offer helpful links and resources
Twitter is a great way to share information with your students and colleagues. You can share links to your own web site or blog, YouTube Channels, Facebook page, or any other interesting links you come across. Use your Twitter feed as an easy way to share important information that is relevant to your followers.

3. Host discussions
Twitter is a conversation platform. You can host discussions with students using a common hashtag, or even have a guest speaker do a Q and A with your class. For staff and faculty, following and participating in the #edchat and #edtech discussions on Twitter can be a great way to connect with other people in the education field.

4. Keep up on news and trends
Twitter is an excellent way to keep up with the latest news and trends. Follow Twitter accounts that of news sources and others working in the education field, or around your area of expertise. Retweet and share relevant or interesting posts with your followers.