This document discusses how Twitter can be used as a communication tool within educational institutions. Twitter allows schools to broadcast announcements and have conversations to engage specific audiences in a low-cost way. It identifies two main uses: as a broadcaster to push out information, and as a conversationalist to interact with interested groups. While not a replacement for other communication channels, Twitter can be an important addition if used strategically. Examples of educational institution accounts for each type are provided.

1. Academia meets Twitter
Getting a handle on Twitter for communication and
professional growth in an educational setting

2. Many areas within an educational institution require effective
communication in order to help meet objectives.
http://www.flickr.
com/photos/mullenkedheim/2244574288/

3. News Updates
Athletics
Admissions
Marketing/PR
Development
Alumni Relations
Etc.
Well thanks, Captain Obvious!
http://www.flickr.
com/photos/goingonsix/505923699/

4. So what does this have to do with Twitter?
Think of Twitter as a tool
that could be a worthy
addition to communication
tools already in use.

5. Twitter is...
a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time
(Twitter.com)
a social networking and micro-blogging tool
Yes, but what is it?
connections, conversations, community, and content

6. For educational institutions, Twitter can be...
a cost-effective (free) option to accentuate existing messages;
a broadcasting tool to announce relevant information to specific
audiences; and
a (brief) conversational tool to appropriately respond to relevant
inquiries and follow-up questions or comments.

7. Two Types
Conversationalist
Broadcaster
provides a quot;voicequot;
useful if audience knows
seen as an authority and
what they are getting
source
another way to push
ROE - return on engagement
information
a way to interact with those
works best if you have good
interested in the institution
information to give
all about building
could fill a need from
relationships
specific area or topic

8. Twitter is not...
a silver bullet for communication problems.
quot;It won't replace crime alerts, regular campus e-mails or our cooperation with local
news outlets to help ensure community awareness of important safety issues, but
it's an important addition.quot;
(quoted source from Univ. Michigan adds voice, text messaging for emergency notification)

9. Let's Explore
Broadcaster Conversationalist
http://twitter.com/UOregonNews http://twitter.com/butleradmission
http://twitter.com/georgiasouthern http://twitter.com/ECCdistrict509
http://twitter.com/johnmaeda http://twitter.com/SDSU_NewsTeam
http://twitter.com/uwgbtutoring http://twitter.com/ThunderbirdNews
http://twitter.com/UofA http://twitter.com/MarquetteU
http://twitter.com/mansfieldisd http://twitter.com/UTAustin
Want to see more?
http://twitter.pbwiki.
com/Universities

10. Twitter and Professional Growth
Referrals
Community
Networking
Commerce
Knowledge
Serendipity

11. Twitter and Professional Growth :: Referrals

12. Twitter and Professional Growth :: Community

13. Twitter and Professional Growth :: Networking

14. Twitter and Professional Growth :: Commerce

15. Twitter and Professional Growth :: Knowledge

16. Twitter and Professional Growth :: Serendipity

17. Some extras for you...
Related articles & presentation sources
Twitter in the mainstream
When is Broadcasting OK on Twitter?
Is Twitter a Tool for Alumni Relations? The Potential of
Intentionally Weak Ties
Are you listening?
Twitter, Your Free Text Messaging System
Using Twitter for Higher Ed
10 Reasons to Monitor Twitter
Question of the day: Should universities tweet?
How individuals use Twitter
Activating Alumni Networks with Twitter

18. Contact
Richie Escovedo
richie.escovedo [at] gmail.com
Blog
Twitter
LinkedIn
delicious links