Twitter+Feedback

==Twitter is an online social networking program that is similar to blogging but is limited to 140 characters (tweets) per post. People use Twitter to keep in quick contact with friends and loved ones, but it can also be used to create communities of people with similar interests. ==

 Twitter is an online tool for sharing quick, 140 character tweets, with a community of people that “follow” one another. I had always heard of Twitter and was curious about it, so I was glad I had the opportunity to explore its possibilities. I have mixed emotions about Twitter. These emotions range from addiction to frivolity. I am sure that somewhere in the middle, there is ground for use to create communities of like-minded people on any subject. I just don’t know if I will be able to find and stay at the middle ground.

 First, I was confused about how to find people to follow and create a following for my own tweets. I have since gotten a few “strangers” that are followers of my tweets, and I have mixed emotions about that too. I soon discovered a few accounts that I decided to follow. They range from green living, to sports, to news, to education. I feel overwhelmed at all the possibilities that exist for people to follow. I also downloaded the app for my phone and found myself checking Twitter feeds almost addictively. I found I had to regulate my Twitter “addiction.”

 Part of me wonders what is the point--especially when we are talking about just following people that we think are funny or that just post their daily activities. I pride myself in remaining engaged in my “real” life and got nervous about getting too involved in the supposed “real” life of strangers or celebrities. As a culture, I don’t like our society’s obsession with the minute details of celebrities, or so-called celebrities. I also was concerned when people I didn’t know began following me. It felt sort of stalker-ish, so for a few weeks, I rejected Twitter.

 Then, I decided that I didn’t have to be all or nothing. I could use Twitter to follow tips on parenting or to keep up with my Yankees, and also to check in with other educators, particularly concerning new technologies. I went to a Moodle training and was able to follow the presenter and also the head tech guy at my school. This allows me to have almost immediate access to pick their brains and ask for help.

 My goal is to use Twitter in moderation. I would like to be able to check in without becoming obsessed. With a fully-packed summer on the way, we’ll see what happens. Will I be able to access Twitter when I am planning new engaging lessons for next year, or will it become merely a poolside addiction? Time will tell.