MUN/PLE

Facebook and Twitter

You will need join a Facebook group for this subject and we encourage you to use Twitter too, though this is optional. We have both a general Facebook account for the subject and groups for each tutorial so that we can use it for sharing information, posting country papers, developing resolutions and simulating backroom negotiation through group chats, polls and private chats (as you try to build a coalition). Joining a group allows communications without having to be 'friends.' If you don't already have a Facebook account, please make sure you inform yourself about privacy options like not showing your birthday on your account.

Twitter is a way of sharing key current events on the UN system and the global issue we are debating as well as following key leaders and thinkers from or on the country you will represent at the Model United Nations.

Activity 1

Create a Twitter or WikiEducator account This is not compulsory but you will be able to converse with the teaching team and your peers by using the hashtag #UOWMUN. The hashtag allows to you filter and find tweets on a similar topic. Modern diplomats and UN and other organisational officials use twitter actively to promote their activities and link to key documents. Firstly, got to twitter.com and set yourself up an account. When choosing a Twitter handle (your name), try to chose something short and sharp, because you are only allowed to used 140 character when tweeting. If you are worried about anonymity, use your student login, and delete it after the class. Need help setting up your Twitter account? Here is the Twitter Help/Support homepage. Check out the Getting Started section Note: Should you not wish to obtain a twitter account, you can use 'WEnotes' which is a similar tool inside WikiEducator, and this will allow you to see the tweets made for this class as it will aggregate the tweets made with the #UOWMUN hashtag. It also lets you contribute to the online debate. Link to info on getting a WikiEducator account, and using WENotes.

Below are three video tutorials aimed at using twitter for learning, Video one gets you started, the second shows you how to find and follow experts. The last video looks and combining Blogging and Tweeting for learning.

Twitter for Students Part 1

Twitter for Students Part 2

Writing and Commenting on Blogs and Tweets

Activity 2

Review the tweets of well known diplomats Take a look at these twitter accounts and pick at least 2 people to follow: @foreignoffice (British Foreign Ministry) @JulieBishopMP (Australian Foreign Minister) @EUHvR (The President of the European Commission) Use the search function in twitter to find accounts for UN committees and campaigns as well as academics and NGOs, and follow the ones that interest you Get into the habit of visiting your twitter "feed" every day and follow links through to interesting material Write up notes on anything of interest as a post in your blog.

Extension Activity 1

Exension Activity: Consider creating a blog, or refresh an existing blog is you already have one If you need help getting started here are some resources to help. There are 2 video tutorials underneath on Getting Started, and Navigating your blog. Prefer text-based help? Please read this resource: How to Start A Blog: The Beginner's Guide to Blogging.

Get Started

Navigate Your Blog