The effects of microblogging in the classroom on communication

Alex Angelo Vernacchia, Purdue University

Abstract

This study explored the integration of a microblogging platform, Twitter, into higher education, and how it affected the perceived communication between students and their professors and amongst students. McCroskey (1977) states every individual has a different communication apprehension score, which is a level of anxiety or fear one experiences when communication is anticipated. This research aims to relate this score to the change in communication perception. Data was gathered via surveys, interviews, and observations and was then analyzed using grounded theory methods presented by Strauss and Corbin (1990). The theory generated suggests individuals with average and lower communication apprehension scores had a better experience using Twitter and experienced more of a positive change in perceived communication. This suggests Twitter can be an effective teaching tool in higher education.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Mohler, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Communication|Social studies education|Higher education

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