Twitter

source: xotoko on Flickr

[|Follow me on Twitter] [|Follow my Class Twitter updates] Twitter is the most popular microblogging site on the web. Started in 2006, it has steadily grown in popularity as celebrities, sports stars, and politicians have taken to Twitter to connect with fans and supporters. Companies have discovered the power of viral marketing through Twitter as a way to popularize their brand and connect with individual consumers. Likewise, educators have discovered the benefits of expanding their personal learning network through the use of Twitter. Teachers benefit from Twitter's ability to easily connect people by using the service to share educational ideas and resources. As more and more educators discover the power of twitter it has become an effective tool to connect teachers, students, and classrooms like never before. media type="youtube" key="ddO9idmax0o" height="344" width="425"

Tweets are what people write on Twitter—maximum 140 characters
 * Tweets**

The real time, scrolling tweets from anyone tweeting on Twitter. More commonly it is the scrolling tweets of your Twitter friends, or all tweets about a particular topic (see trending topics and hashtag)
 * Twitter Stream**

Allows you to see what others are saying about the most tweeted about topics on Twitter. It gives you an indication of real time hot discussions in entertainment, sports and world affairs. Top trending topics on Twitter from 2009.
 * Trending Topics**

Using the # symbol prior to a word in a tweet creates a link to all mentions of the #word. This is effective for following a topic, or for backchannel chat sessions.
 * Hashtags**

If you want to send a message that is directed to just one person, or you want to make sure someone sees your tweet then use the @username.
 * @username**

Direct message allows you to privately tweet a follower.
 * Direct Message**

Source: Ant McNeill on Flickr

The socio-political influence of Twitter became apparent during the Iranian Election Protests in the summer of 2009. When protesters began tweeting details of the government crackdown Twitter became essential for Iranians to spread images and other details of government brutality. The real time nature of Twitter allowed for the world to witness the protests before government censors could respond. A few days into the protests the U.S. State Department asked Twitter to delay a scheduled upgrade so Iranians had unfettered access to spread news of the government crackdown. In that moment Twitter went from being a social media curiosity to an important tool for news organizations, governments, and individuals the world over.

Iranian Elections: A Twitter Revolution?, Washington Post--June 17, 2009 Iranian Protests: Twitter, the Medium of the Moment, Time Magazine, June 17, 2009 #CNNFail: Twitter Blasts CNN over Iran Election, Mashable, June 2009 HOW TO: Track Iran Election with Twitter and Social Media, Mashable, June 14, 2009

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 * Evan Williams on listening to Twitter at TEDtalks**

In this TEDTalk author and consultant Clay Shirky examines the changing landscape of media and how sites like Twitter are becoming more influential than traditional media outlets. Shirky's talk took place as the Iranian Election Protests were happening and used Twitter as an example of how social media is supplanting traditional media. media type="custom" key="5416189"
 * Clay Shirky: How Social Media Can Make History**

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 * Twitter in the Classroom**