Twitter as Higher-Education Community of Practice: A Political Science Perspective

Abstract

A community of practice is where a group works together toward a shared goal. This article argues that Twitter hosts a community of practice within political science and international relations. This occurs in three key ways: (1) offering an area to share feelings about our role as educators, (2) connecting to a wider network of educators in our discipline (and other disciplines), and (3) providing a space to proffer practical support. This has been especially true during the current COVID-19 pandemic, when many educators are teaching remotely and potentially feeling cut off from colleagues and students at their institution. In more normal times, Twitter also offers a valuable means of connecting with other scholars in the discipline across the world, providing a space to learn from and support one another. The article concludes by reflecting on what this might mean for continued professional development in the political science and international relations discipline.