Twitter Chat: Top Tips for Teaching Online
The inaugural University of Aberdeen Learning & Teaching Network Twitter Chat.
Wednesday 3rd June 2020 between 1-2pm –> #toptipsforteachingonline
What are Twitter Chats?
‘Twitter chats’ offer a mechanism for interacting with people who have similar interests. Hosted on the Twitter platform, participants join online at a set date/time to focus on a particular topic centred around a ‘hashtag’, e.g. #toptipsforonlineteaching. Chats take the form of a textual exchange among a group using short messages. The host posts a number of questions throughout the scheduled chat period and you respond.
They use a Q1:A1, Q2:A2 format, always using the relevant # within each ‘post’, and look a bit like this:
While these kinds of conversations are public and open to all, because of the organised nature of events using this medium, Twitter chats tend to attract those who wish to share their ideas and practices, so they represent a positive use of social media. They work well for connecting with colleagues and meeting new contacts. Benefits are noted as: learning, networking, visibility and reputation!
Twitter chats have been used across many professions over the last decade, including in higher education. There are established groups who meet regularly (have a look here), as well as new Twitter chats emerging – especially at the moment. Over the last couple of months, we have not been able to attend our regular face-to-face conferences and professional development meetings due to COVID-19. We have perhaps been participating online and there’s been a move to virtual alternatives. As we come to realise that postponing events longer term is not ideal, as it will be some time before we can enjoy physical presence once again. This may mean you have already taken part in a Twitter chat in lieu of a face-to-face discussion! If not, here’s your chance…
Most of us are currently coming to terms with the reality of planning the next academic session as fully online or blended. Lots of useful resources are being shared among our University community to support staff in creating and developing materials suitable for online teaching. Now, perhaps more than ever, we can support each other as we navigate the demands of our new ways of working – from home. We – an established L & T network – thought that it would be a good time to share tips with each other in a live, online, discussion. So, join us on Wednesday 3rd June, 1pm for what should be an informative and fun session… as well as a break from Microsoft Teams☺
What do I need to do?
- You can just ‘turn up’ online the day, although contact the University Learning & Teaching Network (cad@abdn.ac.uk) if you have any queries.
- Have a quick look over the AdvanceHE Guidance.
- Sign up or sign in to participate… You’ll need a Twitter account→www.twitter.com if you plan to answer questions and take part in the discussion OR you can search for #toptipsforteachingonline within your browser to observe.
- Joy Perkins and Heather Morgan will be co-delivering the session – you can follow us here and here.
- Join the #toptipsforteachingonline Twitter Chat and please use this # in your replies so that everyone taking part can see them and respond.
Dr Heather Morgan, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition (h.morgan@abdn.ac.uk) Dr Joy Perkins, Centre for Academic Development (j.perkins@abdn.ac.uk)
Dr Heather May Morgan 