Use of Microblogs in Education and Teaching

The first assignment that I have been given for the course of Social Software Web course from Umeå University is to blog about "Use of Microblogs in Education and Teaching".


First of all, what is MICROBLOG? According to Wiki - "A microblog differs from a traditional blog in that its content is typically smaller in both actual and aggregate file size. Microblogs "allow users to exchange small elements of content such as short sentences, individual images, or video links""
And according to Webopedia - "Microblog is type of blog that lets users publish short text updates. Bloggers can usually use a number of service for the updates including instant messaging, e-mail, or Twitter. The posts are called microposts, while the act of using these services to update your blog is called microblogging.  Social networking sites, like Facebook, also use a microblogging feature in profiles. On Facebook this is called "Status Updates"."

Educational hype has a long and resilient history of jumping on the latest technology as the means of making education better, cheaper, more available or more responsive. The wise use of web 2.0 technologies in education addresses this call for students to develop 21st century skills. Blogging, wikis, e-portfolios and social networks are all excellent tools for allowing learners to clarify concepts, establish meaningful links and relationships, and test their mental models. 

Both teachers and especially students have been using blogs as well as social networks to get the job done, have fun and learn something in the process. The end goal is to make education more efficient, but also a little bit less of a task. That’s why microblogging might be the answer to a lot of educator’s needs.


Microblogging is a Web2.0 technology anda new formof blogging, that let the users publish online brief textupdates, usually less then 140-200 characters, sometimesimages too. The posts can be edited and accessed online,or sent as SMS, e-mail or via instant messaging clients.Usually the microblogsauthors embed theirposts as awidget on blogs or sites


The reasons can be summarized as below:

• Even though Wiki's and other blogs are available to share huge information and there are other sharing services are available , most of the time people want to share some important and valuable small snippet of information. Instead of uploading huge files, it will be easier to microblog about the info will reach the end users in an effective and efficient manner.
• A text field and friend list on the other hand, found in most microblogging software, is simple and easy to grasp. Also, with such applications as Twhirl and about hundreds of others, users can access the microblogging network any way he or she wants.
• By making the people express in less no. of characters, people will try to figure out the main point of the discussion i.e. get to the point quickly.
• If a teacher wants to inform about some deadline for an assignment etc, it can be shared with microblogging very easily. 

“E-learning and Social Networking Handbook: Resources for Higher Education“,  does not gave any info about the microblogging, it is main concerned with web 2.0. But in my opinion, the microblog is very powerful and perfect way for modern teaching.