Ends and Beginnings

Here we are at the end of the semester- one down, three to go for me. It's been an interesting experience with a range of emotions about the program as a whole. New campus, professors, classes. I never realized just how comfortable I was in my old programs of psychology and sociology until I was dropped in the middle of central new york with a current temperature of 22 degrees outside (aka REALLY COLD).

These classes have also provided me with something that I've never encountered before- having semester long projects. It's a much different learning experience than writing a paper that only covers a couple weeks worth of material. So being posed with the question 'What did I learn?' is loaded. I learned that I have a really hard time focusing on long standing projects. I always have intentions of starting strong, but as the semester continues on (week ten doldrums, anyone?) it gets harder and harder to find the motivation to continue. Through blogging specifically, I learned that topic is imperative. We're all capable of sharing our ideas, but we need to have a burning passion for it. Outside of academics I'm passionate about cooking; finding recipes, trying new ones, experimenting with different ingredients, etc. So maybe I can challenge myself during 2010 to start and keep up a food blog.

That ties into the next question 'How can I improve my blogging?' I feel like the only way to improve is it keep at it, and keep at it with a subject that I feel strongly about, or something that interests me immensely. One of the other things that I've learned about myself during this first semester of graduate school is that I'm only going to be successful if I engage myself inactivities outside of the classroom to improve my skills. I can talk about instructional design until I'm blue in the face but I'm only going to get good at it if I'm actually involved in a project.

So maybe if I do take up that food blog, or a blog about anything else I can improve my communication skills, develop and craft my style and then put those skills to use in my work for this program.

One thing that I've also come to realize is that educator can mean more than just the person standing in front of a classroom with students. We all bring something different to share, and we can all become students of our peers. Blogging provides an open forum for an individual, or group of individuals to share their ideas. The internet as a whole allows us to interact with individuals that we otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn from. Because of this, educators should be looking towards the internet to find others to learn from. Not only are we a part of this program to become successful Instructional Designers, we're also here to learn how to become life long learners. And being an effective educator starts with being a student learning from any and every resource we can find.

Sorry for the missing blog last week- things were quite hectic getting another class wrapped up.

Steve asked an interesting question in a comment in reference to a believe
one of his relative has:

Is it worth telling non-native/non-participants to join "since no one's
really watching anyway"?

To which my response is a resounding and emphatic "YES!". This is actually one of the reasons that I do like internet forums, it acts as a time capsule of information. And though a website or forum may get few hits a week, those are still a few more than none. It's a means to share and disseminate information with others. It works quite similarly as a blog, but in a different format. Sometimes people will reply and share information, other times they will not. but if we are looking to contribute and share knowledge, would it not be beneficial to find a community of individuals to share with opposed to starting a blog or a website that may never be seen by others for a variety of other reasons? Search engines provide website results based on "hits" or views or because you've paid for advertisement, so starting a new website makes it more difficult to share because you have to start from scratch. But if you go someplace that already has hits, and already comes up on google searches, your thoughts are more likely to reach other people.

Taking a step back

After the discussion we had last week, or the week prior about distance learning, it occured to me that I have a very different perspective about distance learning simply because of the exposure I've had with a variety of distance learning experiences. So to me, using technology in smart and directed ways is a great idea. I now see that I may be in the minority with some of my thoughts or sentiments.

It was a great experience, to be able to read the thoughts of those who have a very different view points from me, though. The best way to educate people is to understand where they're coming from. It's also made me think about Jing's idea of technology natives. I would consider myself at technology native- I've been using technology and the internet since I was young and it's always been a part of my life. It was never something that I was shielded from. If we can teach our youth to use the internet in a responsible way, it becomes a great resource and source of information (of course, as long as you're using reputible resources!)

This then led me to think about how uncomfortable people who don't use the internet on a regular basis would be trying to navigate any sort of discussion board, or forum. It would seem overwhelming initially. As with any sort of new environment, we try to navigate it and learn about the culture as quickly as possible so we can integrate ourselves and follow the cultural norms. This is the same in using an internet forum.

Regardless of the environment that we're in, a new class (going into a graduate class was an entirely new experience for me this semester, but I feel that now I have a grasp on how Tiffany's classes run, and I've integrated myself into the classroom experience. However, I'm sure it'll be different in a face to face class taught by Jing, Nick, etc).

The best way to get involved in forum activities is to join one. The nice thing about forums is that there is something for everyone. Not only are they great for educational uses (such as our 611 forum) but they're social, they're informative, and they provide for a variety of perspectives. I would recommend doing a google search for a hobby you have, or an interest and search '_____ discussion forum'. Even if you just browse around them exposure is the best way to familiarize yourself with the resource and opportunity that internet forums provide.

Synchronous and asynchronous uses

The nice thing about internet forums is the flexibility in usage. Though they don't run like a traditional chatroom environment, they still provide the opportunity to have several people together at the same time to communicate and share ideas.

In an asynchronous method of use, individual posters can start new threads that share general ideas, or pose questions to the population of the forum. Others can log in when they have available time and compose a message in response to the original poster, or other individuals who have commented on that thread.

To use forums in a more synchronous manner, several individuals can plan to be logged on and using the forum at a specific times, and they can communicate via posts.

What I like about forums is the hybrid that can be created because it is traditionally an asynchronous technology, but it can be used in a somewhat synchronous way. This provides the nearly "real time" communication opportunity, but still allows for an individual to compose and think out their responses to others, which is why I prefer asynchronous communication.

Forums also act as storage, holding all of the conversations that have occurred to go back and check as an informative resource- either for individuals who were part of the conversation, or those who may have missed it. That is one of the advantages it has over a chat room. If an individual isn't there, they do not have access to that information unless it's copied by one of the chat participants.

Has anyone had experience using an internet forum, either as an educational tool, or in a more recreational capacity?

Internet Forums

For the second half of the semester, I'm going to be talking about internet forums and their use in an educational context, but for today, I'd just like to explain them in brief.

Internet forums are a way for a group of individuals to come together and discuss either in a synchronous or asynchronous manner. A forum will have several 'boards' or main headers, and in each of those categories, specific threads can be found on different topics. The nice thing about forums is the fact that they can be used for virtually any topic, there are forums for online games, fan communities, common interests, and even educational classes.

How to use an internet forum

Internet forum wiki

And the following video is just for a laugh and there's a bit of mild profanity. But it's a humorous outline for new forum users.

Twitter Wrap-up

Seeing as this is the last week for Twitter/microblogging as a topic, I thought a wrap up would be a good idea.

As I've previously shared, Twitter allows for subscribers to share thoughts, pictures, or links to other sites or information via short messages of 140 characters or less. These messages can be sent though the Twitter or other microblogging site, cell phone with SMS capabilities, or a variety of hand held devices such as any smartphone, PDA with internet capabilities, or even ipod itouch.

While Twitter is beneficial in allowing individuals to share with one another, since a lot of "tweets" or messages sent involve personal information, impersonation is also a concern, but Twitter has begun to make strides in account verification for larger named accounts such as celebrities, some politicians, and large organizations such as the CDC.

Twitter is a useful application in providing a short burst of information, but since it does not stand on it's own and provide a forum for longer messages, it lacks in that aspect. However, if Twitter could begin to provide a method for users to still use short SMS updates, but also house the longer messages on the same server, it would be far more beneficial and functional for those looking to educate others in a variety of subjects.

There are also other improvements that should be considered, including the option to create groups to send information to specific individuals, opposed to all of your "followers". Expanded profiles are also something that could potentially be worthwhile for users in assisting them help find other individuals to follow.

Though the typical user does not use Twitter or microblogging for education purposes, it's an avenue that should be looked into for teachers, or even classmates to communicate with one another. It is an application that has it's place and is useful, as long as indivilduals understand it's current limitations and how to use it best for their purposes.

Taking advantage of the power of Twitter

Since it seems that a lot of large organizations and notable individuals who are taking advantage of Twitter as a means of disseminating information, I thought it would be useful to put together a short list of Twitter accounts in hopes to inspire some of you to consider checking out what Twitter has to offer. If you're skeptical, you might want to see what these accounts have to offer, and maybe do some exploring of your own.

Each link is accompanied by the most recent tweet.

CNN
"Sheriff: Colorado 'balloon boy' incident 'hoax' and 'publicity stunt' http://bit.ly/3POY6u"

NPR Politics
"Outside Beltway, Health Care Debate Looks Different http://su.pr/2BpYpV"

NPR News
"1800s-Era Sea Logs Chart Course Of Climate Change http://su.pr/2uZdOq"

Center for Disease Control
"RT @CDCFlu 37 states are reporting widespread flu activity. Get the latest update on 2009 H1N1 flu: http://is.gd/4mGVs"

Barack Obama
"Health reform debate moving soon to the full Congress. It's time to be heard. Help OFA reach 100,000 calls on 10/20: http://bit.ly/10-20"

John McCain
"Federal deficit hits all-time high $1.42 trillion – and the pork barrel spending goes on… http://news.yahoo.com/"


And last but not least, even Syracuse University has a Twitter for information about speakers, events, or just small bits of news.

Syracuse University
"Noted communications strategist Eric Mower to speak at SU’s Newhouse School Oct. 20 http://bit.ly/YzzGk"

Is Twitter actually beneficial in an educational context?

Because of the technical limitations of Twitter, especially the 140 character limitation, it's reasonable to question how beneficial microblogging applications such as Twitter are.

The way Twitter is designed only provides you 140 characters to share information with an individual's followers. However, Twitter facilitates the use of URL shorteners. The most popular website to do that is Tiny URL . This site allows users to share websites, blogs, articles, or anything else they can think of that resides on another website, but with a much shorter URL.

However, this means that Twitter is only the vehicle to let others know about information. It's not actually providing the information that the user is trying to get to their followers. Despite that, it's still a useful piece of technology if others have the right hardware to access it. The main problem with using Twitter to convey web links is if a person receives Twitter updates via SMS text, they will not be able to access that link unless their mobile device is also internet compatible.

Not only that, but since Twitter relies on an outside source to provide shortened URLs, they run the risk of that website going down and losing functionality of all the updates that include those links. Center Networks has a short article that provides a decent solution that Twitter should consider to create a more self-sustaining site that becomes a more useful application for a larger variety of individuals.

Improvements to be made

Though Twitter provides a great service, there is always room for improvement. The two major improvements that I feel could be made are allowing to group your followers so you can tweet to specific groups of people. The second improvement would be an expanded profile so users can search for others with like interests.

By enabling users to group their followers, they could have the opportunity to tweet specifically to the groups created. Allowing this gives the user more control over their account and Twitter can act almost as a list-serv, quickly getting a short burst of information out to a specific group of people. It also helps to not clutter up other people's pages with unnecessary tweets from people that are not applicable to them.

Expanded profiles would also be a beneficial feature, especially if users had the ability to search other users based on specific profile criteria. By doing so, they can follow new people that they would have otherwise not come across- which as we all know is a perk of the internet, meeting new people. New ideas can be shared between individuals who have like interests, promoting conversation and friendship through the facilitation of the microblogging technology.

These ideas are of course not the end of the improvements that Twitter could make, but I do believe that these two ideas would help to significantly improve the user experience.

Microblogging over E-mail?

Could microblogging and a twitter-like application take precedence over email?
In an educational setting, especially in online classes, communication between the instructor and their students is common place. Students get regular email updates and reminders to start projects, submit assignments, and a variety of other short messages and updates.

Though I made the switch from a typical cell phone to a smart phone and now practically live in my email inbox, not everyone is the same way. Some even go days between checking their email. But an application such as Twitter could provide a way for instructors to be able to get information to their students in a quick and effective way.

Short messages such as ‘Don’t forget to submit your paper by 11:59 tonight!’ could be received instantaneously by an entire class of individuals, and it omits the need for a computer to do so. An instructor can easily send out the message from their cell phone, and all students can receive it just as easily as they receive any other SMS message.

It’s a technology that instructors should consider facilitating as another method of communication with their students, especially in online settings. It’s so easy to get lost in the sea of deadlines, so short little text reminders could be a great way to keep students on track.

Celebrity and Imposter Tweeting

As mentioned in my last blog, Twitter is used by celebrities in order to communicate with their fans and followers. While this is a highly convenient and efficient mode of communication, there is a down fall to it. With any website that has a social component to it, be it Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. some individuals use it as a way to create imposter accounts and try to recruit people to friending or following them. They often interact with their fans and spread false information to increase their status. They also often point out other accounts as being fake, while theirs is supposedly the “official” page.

These users that pose as celebrities can have a serious impact on how these individuals are actually viewed. One of the most prominent examples for me right now would be individuals from the Twilight cast. I’m sure you’ve all seem the gossip magazine covers professing the secret love between co-stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart while in line at the grocery store. They’re in love, they’re engaged, and just this last week I saw a cover about a wedding of the year. This fodder is often used by imposter accounts to garner followers.

After a quick search, there are over 60 fake Pattinson accounts. The number is astronomical, and it continues to grow- this is the case for any popular celebrity. And even the more obscure celebrities have imposters; no one in the public eye is immune.

Despite this occurrence, Twitter is making strides to defend their website and protect their users by using a verification program. Individuals in the public eye such as celebrities now have the opportunity to verify their account. It provides a way to distinguish between real users and the endless list of imposters. Not only does this protect the famous individual, but it provides a way for the everyday user to distinguish between the real individual and everyone else. The program is still in beta, however many celebrities are taking advantage of this option as a way to prove to their fans who they really are in order to avoid confusion and have the ability to put an end to the endless rumor mill that imposter Twitter accounts continue to run.

Life in 140 characters or less

Microblogging (such as the ever popular Twitter) is a means of publishing and sharing short messages with the public, or a certain group of individuals. These messages can be submitted via sms messaging, the hosting website, an instant message, etc. (Wikipedia) These messages are bound to character restrictions; Twitter keeps messages to 140 characters or less.

When I first heard about Twitter, I outright rejected the idea. Microblogging- who needed it? I thought it was nothing more than perpetual Facebook status updates, which I already did....so what was the fuss about Twitter? It didn't seem like it would be beneficial to me in any way. I resisted for months on end until I finally caved and decided to see what it was all about. There were, and still are hoards of teenagers lamenting about canceled Friday night plans, unfair teachers, and being grounded for the weekend. It seemed like nothing more than self involved people sharing their lives with other people who may or may not actually care. But hey, the more followers you have the more "popular" you are, right? It seemed to me that Myspace and Facebook had a love child called Twitter that provided you the best and worst of both worlds- tons of "friends", or followers as they're called for Twitter, and now you got to share every single second of your boring English Lit class with 421 of your closest followers.

I didn't fully grasp the ramifications of Twitter until June 13th, the day that the winner of the Iranian election had been announced. At that point Twitter was inundated with messages from Iranians and others alike who were crying out with the injustice the people of Iran were experiencing. With Twitter, real time news could be reported by individuals who were living it in the moment. The middle man, CNN, MSNBC, FOX and any other news reporting agency was rendered useless when information became available straight from the source. This article from Time explains how Twitter assisted in the dissemination of news from within the country of Iran to the rest of the world.

The Twitter and microblogging phenomenon was studied by Akshay Java, Tim Finin, Xiaodan Song, and Belle Tseng. They focused on the networking aspect, and what a communities on Twitter looked like. Their article can be found here. Their diagrams provide a good visualization of how information is disbursed among individuals, and the links between communities.

Twitter isn't the only website available, Jaiku is another service that provides the opportunity to engage in microblogging.

Though I was initially skeptical of Twitter, I've come to understand the benefits it can provide. Beyond the teenagers that I suspected, a user is able to follow certain companies, a variety of celebrities or musicians to have easy access to information they can provide about their careers and even the current president Barack Obama has a twitter that is regularly updated with information.