Learn how you can use Twitter in academic circles. We'll help you get started!

1. Digital 3.0 101:
Twitter for Academia

2. What is Twitter?
Everyone from CNN reporters to your
child’s high school principal is using
Twitter, the free Web- and cell phone-
based messaging service that allows you
to broadcast short messages, or updates,
to your friends or followers.
Share what you ate for breakfast, how
your workday is going, and even what
your take is on the latest Canada’s
Next Top Model.

3. Who Uses Twitter?
Twitter isn’t just for teens—users are an
affluent and well-educated bunch. A study
from comscore.com states the majority of
visitors are 35 years of age or older.

4. Getting Started
To sign up for a Twitter account, go to
Twitter.com and click on “Get Started – Join!”

5. Getting Started
Use your real name on your account so friends and
contacts can find you. Note: You can choose “Protect my
updates” to limit your Twitter followers to authorized status.

6. Getting Started
Once you’re registered, simply forward
your Twitter page link to your contacts.

7. How to Tweet
To send a “Tweet,” log onto the Web page from
your computer or mobile device and use the entry
window to enter your message up to 140 characters.

8. How to Tweet
Once sent, your message will appear on
the Twitter pages and mobile devices of
your Twitter followers.

9. Online Tutorial
Visit the Common Craft to view helpful
introductory videos at
www.commoncraft.com/twitter

10. Why Tweet?
Twitter makes sense in the academic world
because, like other social media channels,
it’s cost-effective (free). You can now reach out
to students and potential fundraisers at a much
faster and deeper level.

11. Twitter Benefits
Update your student body—the digital generation—on their
level, in ways that they comprehend and respond to.
Spread your networking Web far beyond the local municipality
for fundraising purposes and alma mater updates.
Alert students to the latest online class notes.
Encourage classroom discussion and colleague
collaboration—beyond the classroom walls—to foster
community building.
Lead to productive classroom conversations and improved
classroom dynamics.