A 'New' Form of Communication

Twitter can be used for more than just writing a status of "What are you doing?"  Nor does Twitter just have to be used for work or pleasure.  Teachers can enter the world of Web 2.0 tools for communication.  Standard forms of communication are telephone or email.  While email seems to be a the most standard form of communication now-a-days, parents are beginning to use Twitter with their friends and for work, and students already use Twitter on a daily basis.  As teachers why not use twitter to reach parents, and even more to reach students as well. 

Twitter allows you to write short bits of information that people read to see what is going on with certain people/celebs or organizations.  Why not post events and information to Twitter about when tests are, what homework is, or when major projects / assignments are due.  A lot of people have Twitter apps set up on their computer or cellphones to alert them of newly sent message from people they are "following."

That is the other great thing about Twitter.  People follow you at their own will.  So if a student or parent wants to follow they can.  If not, that is their choice. So as a teacher you have a method of communication with parents and students that is indirect, but can update them without them having to go to your classroom website or email/call to see what assignments are.  This can be a simple way to integrate technology into your classroom.