Social Scholars: Tweeting in the Conference Back Channel by Educational Researchers

• In Event: Improving Education Through Technological Innovation

Abstract

As educational research is enveloped in new technologies and ideas we must consider the impact that novel, efficient ways for obtaining, analyzing, and communicating results has on our professional practices and development as scholars. This paper investigates how the educational research community is using social media to advance professional conferencing, scholarship dissemination, and identity. Specifically, we examine whether and how use of the microblogging service, Twitter, for a conference backchannel, enabled the expansion of participation in the 2012 AERA annual meeting and the nature of that participation. Insights from this paper will benefit scholars across disciplines concerned with integrating technology in faculty development and the changing nature of their professional identity, socialization, and research dissemination.

Authors

• Christine M. Greenhow, Michigan State University

• Jiahang Li, Michigan State University

• Minhtuyen Mai, University of Wisconsin - Madison