The document discusses a pilot study conducted at a faculty conference that explored the use of Twitter to enhance student engagement across disciplines. It highlights outcomes such as increased collegiality, engagement, and idea-sharing among students through real-time discussions and collaboration via social media. The integration of m-learning strategies led to positive results that align with existing literature on social media in education.

1. 2014 Fall Faculty Conference
Authors: Brian Bullock
Gail Matthews-DeNatale
Twitter as a Tool for Engagement
Background
Relevance Across Disciplines
Details
In Summer 2013, Technology as a
Medium for Learning (EDU6323)
piloted the use of Twitter as a vehicle
to increase student engagement and
connection-making.
Abstract
Goals/Objectives
References Outcomes
Acknowledgements
• Connected Learning: Real-time book group
discussion with international students to share
cross-institution, cross-cultural perspectives
• Personal Learning Network: Identify, “follow,” and
interact with nationally-recognized innovators
• Persistent Engagement: Pool ideas, resources,
and connections in real time throughout the
course, extending beyond threaded discussion
The course had its own hashtag. Students created
individual Twitter accounts and used an
aggregator app such as Twitterfall to collect
hashtag posts in real time. Activities included:
• “Join the Conversation” impromptu discussions
• Following experts and other relevant hashtags,
re-tweeting interesting messages to the class
• “Tweet-Up” book group, based on a shared
textbook, with students in a University of
Prince Edward Island Master of Education class
Social media is prevalent in the lives
of students. The pilot results align
with the literature, indicating that
thoughtful integration of m-learning
builds collaboration, increases
communication, and strengthens
cognitive connections (2012).
Joosten, T. (2012). Social media for
educators: Strategies and best
practices. San Francisco, CA: John
Wiley & Sons.
Special thanks to Bonnie Stewart and
UPEI students in ED626, Technology:
Leadership in Learning.
The strategies described could be used in any course.
Students in the course reported an increased:
• Sense of collegiality within and beyond the class
• Engagement with ideas and content
• Freedom to express thoughts and opinions
Tweet-up
Discussion
Screenshot