Twitter and Hashtags

As you know by now, you are required to sign up for Twitter this semester. Moreover, you’ve been instructed to include a course hashtag when you tweet directly to the class (e.g., #film1310, #film2350). What follows is a further explanation of hashtags.

What Is a Hashtag?

According to The Ultimate Guide to Twitter Hashtags, hashtags are ways “to unite global Tweets around some particular topic. Basically, these are tags that that help those who seek similar content discover your Tweets.”

How Do I Create a Hashtag?

To create a hashtag, simply include the “hash” or “pound” symbol (#)
preceding the tag, like so: #traffic, #ladygaga, #followfriday, #hashtag. For example:

In the example above, anyone who clicks on the tag #wizardofoz or #critapp will see all of the tweets (from anywhere in the world) that have included that hashtag.

How Do I See My Class Discussion?

If you’re checking your tweets from the Web (Twitter.com), create a search from the right sidebar.

In the Search box, type your course hashtag. Hit enter. Then, click “Save This Search” (next to the green plus sign at the top of the page).

Now, your class’s hashtag search should show up in the sidebar under “Saved Searches.” Any time you want to see your classmates’ tweets, just click on that link.

How Often Should I Check My Tweets?

I would suggest that you check both your and the class’s tweets daily. If you are frequently on the Web and feel comfortable using the search you made on Twitter.com, then check them from there.

But please know that there are BETTER ways to check your account.

Twitter desktop platforms like Tweetdeck and Seesmic not only allow you to make several columns so you can see your tweets alongside the class’s, but they will also notify you when you have a new tweet. In other words, there is no need for you to go back and forth to the Web to check your account; everything will simply pop up on your desktop.

Downloading these platforms is relatively simple, but if you have questions, as always, don’t hesitate to ask: @profmarshall

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