In a few days, public school students will go back to school but will be met by an unprecedented new approach to learning in the Philippines, at least in the public school setting. It is because the Department of Education (DepEd) ruled out the holding of traditional face-to-face classes this coming school year due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
To be implemented is the “Blended Learning” approach under the “Learning Continuity Plan” of the DepEd, where various Learning Delivery Modes will be used. Aside from online learning, self-learning modules, TV and Radio can also be used so that students can still learn even if they are not physically present inside the classroom.
As an added educational tool for those who can go online, Twitter is where they can find all the latest in #WhatsHappening on various topics around the world. There will be updates and new knowledge on current trends, events, and of course, education. In fact, close to 600,000 education-related Tweets in the Philippines have been recorded in the past three months.
Initially not thought of at first as an effective learning tool but being a space for conversation and source of real-time information, Twitter became a helpful tool for students, teachers, or parents to enhance or supplement blended learning.
To maximize its use for learning purposes, Twitter offers these four tips and tricks:
- Use Topics to see education-related Tweets on your timeline
People on Twitter talk about anything under the sun, and this includes education-related topics such as Language, Architecture, Chemistry and many other interests and fields of study where students and teachers alike can gather new information and other insights or tips in learning a subject. #ScienceChatPH is also a great go-to hashtag for educational and active discourse about anything related to Science.
To get education-related Tweets, use “Topics” that allows one to see Tweets without completely following an account.
2. Tweet to draw tips and insights from communities
Adjusting to new normal learning is a learning process itself not just for students but also for teachers. Users can surround themselves (online) with a community that shares information and encouragement on how to support distance learning at home.
For example, some Filipino students are using #studytwtph to connect to an online community of fellow students and motivate one another. On the other hand, parents can also get tips on how they can help their children while teachers can use Twitter to get insights on where to get helpful educational resources online.
Connect with communities on Twitter. To make the conversation more relevant, only those allowed to reply to Tweets can now be chosen. This is also a great feature if the class wishes to exchange ideas online. Here’s how to:
- From twitter.com or the Twitter for iOS or Android app, tap on the compose Tweet button.
- Click or tap Everyone can reply next to the globe icon to choose who can reply to a Tweet.
- Everyone – For public accounts, it means that everyone will continue to be able to reply. If Tweets are protected, it means only people who follow you will continue to be able to reply.
- People you follow — only people who you follow, as well as anyone you mention in the Tweet, will be able to reply.
- Only people you mention — only people who you mention in the Tweet will be able to reply.
- When you’re ready, click or tap Tweet to send.
3. Follow and organize education/learning accounts
In lieu of school assemblies, Twitter can function as a virtual bulletin board for real-time information on the latest news and announcements related to education here in the Philippines. Teachers and parents can keep track of the school calendar and other information by following authoritative sources like the Department of Education (@DepEd_PH) that regularly post updates on their respective Twitter account.
Notification can also be enabled to get alerts whenever there’s a new Tweet or use the “List” feature to streamline Tweets based on specific interests. Think of it as a Tweet organizer: create one for school-related accounts, one for hobbies, one for fandom needs, and more. Here’s how to create a “List” on a desktop:
4. Learn from interactive content
Studying a new concept may take time, so having a visual aid such as videos is an interactive way to learn. There are tons of educational content on Twitter; what’s needed is to use the right key words.
Math can be daunting for some, but EduCreator Peter Esperanza’s (@pedroj0se) #MathInAMinute videos are quick yet fun lessons on how to solve different math problems. Students who love History will also enjoy daily facts and trivia from The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (@NHCPOfficial).
Twitter can function both for entertainment and education purposes but remember to safeguard your account and foster meaningful conversations online for a nurturing learning experience.
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