The 140 Characters Conference (#140Conf) recently brought together hundreds of professionals interested in real-time Internet and its effect on both business and personal issues. Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) Assistant Professor of Practice Anthony Rotolo was among the prestigious group of individuals who presented at the two-day conference.

Rotolo’s presentation, “College in Real Time,” focused on the use of social media in higher education, particularly how he uses real-time technology to teach his own courses. In “Social Media in the Enterprise,” more commonly known as #RotoloClass, using social media is not only encouraged, it’s required.

“In my class, real-time Twitter takes place during every lecture, and conversation happens around that hashtag,” Rotolo says. “What has happened as part of this class is that we’ve gained an audience much larger than the classroom can hold. We’ve got people following along that are interested in learning about social media, and we’ve got thought leaders who are actually engaging with students via Twitter. Class doesn’t happen in a bubble anymore. Student engagement is through the roof, just by adding in one real-time tool.”

Rotolo also teaches “Star Trek and the Information Age,” or #TrekClass. Twitter allows students to discuss important issues while they watch episodes of “Star Trek.”

“On one giant screen in the auditorium we have 'Star Trek,' and on the other giant screen we have a Twitter chat,” Rotolo explains. “On Twitter, we are actively discussing in real time what’s going on, not only amongst ourselves, but with a growing legion of Trekkies.”

Be Sociable, Share!

•