Twitter

Evaluation of a MERLOT learning resource:

Twitter

This MERLOT learning resource description was very limited in the details and use of the social learning tool, however, I think Twitter is a wonderful classroom tool and so I added a Learning Exercise to this MERLOT post.  I have used Twitter two different ways this past year, in my classroom and for school wide communication.  I hope more schools and teachers learn to use this resource to promote social learning.

Quality of Content:

1. Does the software present valid (correct) concepts, models, and skills?  Valid concept just no detail or explanation on MERLOT material detail post.  Twitter is more than "What are you doing?", it is also a resource of news and information.
2. Does the software present educationally significant concepts, models, and skills for the discipline? It can if adapted to the subject and if the teacher is trained on using it correctly while protecting the privacy of the students (especially under 13 years of age).  It is a very adaptable tool.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool:

1. What stage(s) in the learning process/cycle could the materials be used?
   1. Explanation or description of the topic/stating the problem yes
   2. Demonstration of the curriculum/exploration of the problem yes
   3. Practice using the curriculum/analysis of the outcomes from solving the problem yes
   4. Applying the curriculum to "new" problems/application of the outcomes to other problems yes
2. What is(are) the learning objective(s)? What should students be able to do after successfully learning with the materials? Students should be able to better understand "social learning", how they can easily and quickly learn from others.  Students can also learn effective digital communication skills if a teacher presents the tool correctly.
3. What are the characteristics of the target learner(s) Social
4. Does the interactive/media-rich presentation of material improve faculty and students' abilities to teach and learn the materials? Yes, the Twitter site is very user friendly and engaging.
5. Can the use of the software be readily integrated into current curriculum and pedagogy within the discipline? As long as the instructor has access to the Internet and an overhead projector to work with the Twitter site as a group.
6. Can the software be used in a variety of ways to achieve teaching and learning goals? Yes
7. Are the teaching-learning goals easy to identify? No. I tried to add a little more information in the learning exercise I posted.
8. Can good learning assignments for using the software application be written easily? yes

Ease of Use:

1. Are the labels, buttons, menus, text, and general layout of the computer interface consistent and visually distinct? yes
2. Does the user get trapped in the material? Potentially, instructors can give guidance and set goals and objectives to alleviate this.
3. Can the user get lost easily in the material? Potentially, there are millions of Twitter users, however, if students/teachers use following suggestions from the site, this can help.
4. Does the module provide feedback about the system status and the user's responses? No (I added a learning resource though)
5. Does the module provide appropriate flexibility in its use? No (I added a learning resource though)
6. Does the learning material require a lot of documentation, technical support, and/or instruction for most students to successfully use the software? No, however the instructor should know how to use it before they present it and when working with younger students it should be a teacher directed tool.
7. Does the material present information in ways that are familiar for students? Depending on the students technical background.  
8. Does the material present information in ways that would be attractive to students? Yes, kids love using technology and this is a tool to promote communication and research.