Twitter-Dee and Twitter-Dumb...

So, I knew I would eventually get on a soap box at some point here. I can see the cool, instantaneous world of Twitter, and appreciate those that do take the time to use it constructively and creatively. I even respect the news channels (CNN, MSNBC) utilizing it to update RSS feeds for most "breaking" news stories. But, omg, could the media please stop hyping this technology up as some grand breakthrough in science and life. Is Ashton Kutcher's life really so important that we need to follow him and read about his status of "Lounging on couch and watching TV with Demi (Moore)..."?!? Or that a senator or congressman is needing to share his boredom with the world while the House is in session?!? Are we all so important that we need to update people on what we are doing every other minute of the day?!? Check out The Daily Show with Jon Stewart for a great take on the issue.

However, if I am going to crticize something, I better have some solutions. Well, I don't really! Instead, I have some ideas of how to use the network within a class setting.

• The first idea is to use the RSS feed option and keep students abreast on a current issue of some sort in the news, such as a recent scientific discovery, progression of a bill in Congress, or a conference between nations. Doesn't get more authentic than that.
• Another idea would be to use it in a step-by-step student project. Perhaps the teacher could use it as a means to give outlined directions to students as they progress past points in a lesson. Or even have students update their status as they progress through a lesson.
• Or better yet, have them give updated directions or steps to a role they are playing or project they are completing; such as significant stages Abraham Lincoln went through during his presidency, or how to complete a physics experiment or mathematical problem. The students could take on the role of a scientist, historian, mathematician, etc.
  

While these are just a few ideas off the top of my head, I hope that teachers, students, and society understand the concept of being good information users (and communicators) and consciously think about using such tools apporpriately and moderately in the future.