Teaching on Twitter | What Would Socrates Do @TwtrWoodman #140MTL
Channel: Mila Araujo
Date: 11/06/2012

In this focused and passionate presentation at #140MTL http://140mtl.com , Dr. Gregory Wood (@twtrwoodman), explores what it means to be a teacher; one who not only imparts knowledge, but actively engages students, expanding their awareness, opening new doors of inquiry and perhaps most important, stimulating a desire to learn more.  New social technologies provide an exciting and engaging way to connect with college students.  But is it possible to use popular social platforms like Twitter to stimulate critical thinking, encourage dialogue and help students to explore the "big issues".  Dr. Wood asks the question, "What would Socrates do with 140 characters or less?"  Highlighting his presentation with quotes from the ancient philosopher, Wood describes how the father of the Socratic Method might use Twitter to challenge and inspire his students.  His presentation also highlights lessons that everyone can apply to their social media conversations -- engaging others using the Socratic Method.
Possible "Take Aways":
Socrates would tweet differently than most of us.  Most people broadcast "helpful" information.  He would ask questions.  He would seek to make us think.  How popular would that be?
Socrates would challenge his followers.  He'd challenge us to explain why people should care about the information they broadcast.

He'd host forums and chat discussions.
He wouldn't much care what his Klout or Kred score was.
All of his Retweets would come with new questions.
Socrates wouldn't really care about the tweets, but the (thinking) process that led up to them.

Dr. Gregory R. Wood is the Chairman of the Marketing & Information Systems Department in the Wehle School of Business at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. He is also president of HausMark Research Services, an independent consulting company serving businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Dr. Wood's teaching and research interests focus on the use of social media in marketing and management. You can follow him on Twitter (@Twtrwoodman)
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#140MTL Producer @Milaspage http://Milaspage.com