Introduction

This course introduces Twitter and explores how it can be used personally, professionally and in teaching practice. Participants will be shown how to register for a Twitter account, and how to find and follow other interesting users. Different methods of using Twitter for professional development will be explored.

The course will also consider the use of live Twitter feeds in the classroom to encourage learners to contribute to a learning activity, as well as issues around firewall blocking of Twitter and making a case for allowing Twitter use based on persuasive pedagogical benefits.

The course materials are arranged in three sections

• preparation for the face-to-face session
• information about the face-to-face session
• following the face-to-face session

The Practitioner Research Cycle

Vital Model Courses are based on the Practitioner Research Cycle as shown in the diagram below.

This cycle draws on, and develops, personal and professional knowledge bases. The latter may be seen in the literature, resources, policies and other materials that are used to inform practice.

Throughout the course small icons will indicate the stage of the cycle being addressed.

NB Prof/Pers KB = Professional/Personal knowledge base