How and why are people using Twitter: a small group study

This paper reports the findings from a survey of people who are using Twitter. Twitter feels like the new technology on the learning technology block. When viewed in terms of the Gartner Hype Cycle then it would be classified as moving towards the peak of inflated expectations, at the first stage of the cycle. The paper suggests that as a learning technology then we must remember that Twitter is still relatively immature. The survey implies people are experimenting in the way that they use it. That said, the analysis does indicate a certain "buzz and excitement" around Twitter. So, given its relative immaturity as a learning technology then the challenge is to share effective practice in educational use of Twitter.