In a new study, “Twitteracy: Tweeting as a New Literary Practice,” co-author Christine Greenhow, a Michigan State professor, reports that students regularly in contact with fellow classmates and instructors on Twitter received higher grades because they were more interested in the content of the course, suggesting that one of the markers of a good course is its use of social media. 

After teaching college for a few years I’ve realized two things: (1) how young adults sincerely want to make their parents proud, and (2) how parents communicate, directly or indirectly, that their children are failures. A previous generation of parents was happy having kids who simply were “good,” but today’s parents want kids who are good and “successful.” And students who have grown up in conservative evangelical churches are not immune from this parental pressure.

For several years now two friends and I convene in South Florida for an annual time of sharing, lamenting, thankfulness, praise, challenge, rebuke, encouragement, celebrating, and much needed sleep. Why do we do this? Because we need each other. I think God made us to be in relationships with others. It's a part of what it means to be human. I consider myself blessed to have good friends. As 2011 comes to a close, I am very thankful that God has provided me with amazing friends.