This document outlines a session on using Twitter. It begins with an introductory video explaining Twitter and discusses how Twitter is often seen as trivial. However, Twitter can be useful for professional development by allowing users to follow colleagues, experts in their field, and get immediate updates. The session then has participants create Twitter accounts and try tweeting with hashtags. Advice or "twips" are provided on following others, using tools like Tweetdeck to filter tweets, and finding trending topics. The session concludes with participants trying features like retweeting and discussing potential professional and community uses of Twitter at their university.

1. Microblogging (Twitter) September 29, 2009 Elizabeth Wellburn Tami Saj Tracy Roberts

2. Session Outline Intro: Twitter in Plain English (2:25 min) Our experience Hands-on Twips(Twitter Tips) from us Hands-on II Wrap-up

3. So…do you tweet?

4. Twitter in Plain English… Video - 2:25 min http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o

5. Video Debrief: Twitter in Plain English What did you think? What we think: Explains concept well, BUT... Highlights “trivial” potential of Twitter... as also illustrated in this viral cartoon...

6. Future Man on Social Networking %&@#!??

7. Twitter: it’s what’s for breakfast?

8. Unfortunate discovery...

10. News from my field

11. Extends “who my colleagues/team are”

13. Twips (Twitter Tips)... No “right” way to use Twitter Twitter = extremely flexible environment But if you want some of our suggestions….

14. Twips…about FOLLOWING… Start by following (lurk & learn...) Follow good tweeters only(you define good) Search with #hashtags or keywords Profiles are key – helps us find “good” people to follow, and invites likeminded followers You don’t have to follow them back Shop lists of people you follow for others

15. Following...

16. Twips: About TOOLS Browser enough to start with Try tools that integrate Twitter into browser Are you a “mobile” person…?

17. Twips: finding info…. Trending Topics Maybe you want to filter, through Tweetdeck or one of the other apps Things are evolving quickly and when you’re in the loop, you’ll find lots to explore

18. Ultimately, what we like... Free Pro-D! Immediate news. Filtered by yourpeople and/or your keywords What are my people doing, thinking, reading, viewing, attending, right now? colleagues w/people we don’t work with (Indirect) mentoring by leaders in my field. Stay connected (tweet from anywhere, mobile) Take it or leave it – it’s a river, it keeps running, dip in any time, don‘t worry about what you missed

19. Let’s play II Try these... Re-tweet Direct messaging Share photos Share links

20. How/do you see using Twitter? Personal Professional How could we use it at RRU? Community Other?

21. Thank You! Tami Saj tami.saj@royalroads.ca www.royalroads.ca