Twitter started as an experiment for me. In addition to the buzz surrounding the growth of its user base, I got into it, too, because of conversation in one of the ASTD forums I frequent about how Twitter might be used as a learning support tool.
As much as I am a fan of Twitter and the benefits I've derived from my contacts there, I'll admit the jury's still out on examples for robust uses of Twitter in a learning environment.
But one thing's clear, I have increased my knowledge of the world around me as a result of things I've picked up directly from my Twitter contacts. Some of these are related to training, others related to tools I can use to support development of training content, and others related to general interest stuff. In all cases, the folks I've connected with seem eager to help and share their stories.
So, I've decided to stick with it.
I've noticed, too, that there seems to be a positive correlation between my follower count and the ability of my contacts to help me and others I'm connected to. That makes sense, though. The more people to whom I'm connected, the more responses I'm likely to get with questions I have or connections I can facilitate.
Another thing I noticed too, which I'll share with you below, are the seemingly daily pointers to web sites, blogs and other media that I've found interesting--at least to this learning professional.
So here you go. In no particular order, I'm sharing my picks for the Top 10 most interesting links I picked up from Twitter in the last week.
- Tweet4Good. A site for donating and fundraising using Twitter.
- Alltop's compilation of top Consulting blogs.
- Alltop's compilation of top Technical Writing blogs.
- Flip video rolls out a new HD mini camcorder: The Mini HD. My brother and sister, as well as othr bloggers I follow have raved about the ease with which they can record on the fly and quickly download the video to their computer via a USB port. I'm considering the Mini HD to support some "man-on-the-street" type blog posts moving forward. (Is that a good idea?)
- Flixwagon. Broadcasting live video from your iPhone. Since I got my iPhone a couple of months ago, it always bugged me that it didn't allow me to shoot video. With this third-party app., I now can.
- TweetLater.com. As you get more into Twitter, you'll find this helpful in managing your own productivity while still touching your contacts through Twitter.
- TweetBeep.com. Nothin' like a little "intel" to know who's talkin' about you or your company! But, again, will only make sense to you if you're starting to find value in Twitter for your own networking efforts.
- TypeAlyzer.com. One of my Twitter friends is going to hate me for linking to a site that assesses your blog's "type" in a manner similar to the Myers-Briggs model. But, in deference to her and to TypeAlyzer, please please please, don't take this one too seriously in terms of the validity of its ability to "type" you. It was simply interesting. At the end of the day, that's the only criteria required to make it on this week's list.
- UserVoice.com. This is cool. This is user feedback with an intelligent engine that also helps group/organize/quantify duplicate feedback items. I want to use this for an upcoming technology implementation.
- TwiTip Blog post: Make a Tweet Plan to Get the Most from Twitter.
If you've got some sites, please feel free to add them in the comments (click the "comments" link below), or tweet them to me on Twitter: @melaclaro.
