Plurk is so simple, but there are also many benefits over twittering...you can get to have conversations!

dobarah: looking forward to learning how to use it the classroom.

it is a bit like texting...using it for assignments would be good. You could type the assignment (daily) then students could ask ?s

dobarah: Are you using it in the classroom?

I started one at the beginning of summer, but I have never used it with my students before, only networking with teachers (and knitters!)