Social Media in the Classroom?

How would social media fit into the classroom? I know many people who would say "that would distract the kids," or "there is no benefit for the students." Both of these statements are false and social media can work in the classroom. The true question is, which social media outlets would best suit the classroom? And the answer to that question is different depending on the content area to the needs of the student.

So for those who say that social media would "distract kids," I say that it would distract them... from not wanting to do work. If anything, social media would engage students in wanting to learn more. And to those who say "there is no benefit for students," I have provided examples below on how social media could work in the classroom.

Art/Photography: students can easily post up their digital work on Instagram to show off their work to peers and possible future clients. They can view other's photographs/artwork and get ideas on upcoming assignments. Students can comment on other student work and provide positive feedback to each other.

History: students can create a Facebook page relating to historical events they are learning. Students can role-play by posting status updates in a timeline of events that occurred during a specific era. Students can also have discussions relating to the material. This can allow the teacher to assess students understanding of historical events.

Science: teachers can use Youtube in the classroom to show different models/structures in biology and chemistry. Students will get a better understanding through the visuals and audio from videos on this social network.

English/Government/Journalism: students can set up a Twitter account and follow news sources. This should give students story ideas and allow them to follow up with local stories for their school newspaper. English/government students can express themselves on current controversial topics and post their ideas about important topics.

There a hundreds of other social media sites teachers can use. Its just the matter of how creative you can be with them. I've actually redefined what social media is for me... a platform for a learning network.

A Phone's Cell

Cell phones did not exist before the year 1973. Today, it has changed how businesses, people and entities operate. It is the medium through which people can express facts, thoughts, and feelings. I think that it is an integral part of society and teachers should embrace them in the classroom.

It may seem silly that teachers are using cell phones in the classroom, but it is actually quite innovative and progressive in education today. Encouraging the use of these devices for the young ones could lead to many advantages…

An important advantage of a cell phone keeps the students connected. They can interchange numbers and help each other stay on track of assignments. The classroom will truly be a support system of learning for all students.

I have recently worked on a cell phone project in my computers in education class and it went well. Because we were all unable to meet together, we all had to complete our part of the project separately but connect it at the end in a powerpoint. The assignment was basically to take pictures with a cell phone of things that would represent a fairy tale. The pictures would then have to be used in class to help tell the fairytale story. I found the project to be interesting and very effective. The cell phone project definitely got me to think about different ways I can represent the plot. This brought out my creative side and I really enjoyed having to hunt for the images that I needed for the assignment.

I think collaboration is a key part of learning new ideas especially for those in K-12. In my project, I did not see any flaws in collaborating with others using my cell phone. I was able to complete the work on my own time while others were able to finish it on their time. I think giving students this option will not only encourage them to do this assignment, but will probably get better quality presentations.

Shift Happens

The "Shift Happens" video was very insightful and inspiring. I come from the technological generation where gadgets and gizmos rule the world and understand the role it plays in children's lives.

I truly believe the teachers who are aware of technology and embrace these new ideas will make better connections with their students. Creating connections will ultimately allow for students to grasp concepts and understand information on a higher level of thinking.

The information and knowledge that is circulated through media sources and the Internet are skills that the new generation will possess, and challenging our student's through these sources will definitely engage them. Not only will students be able to see trending debates on topics of the world, but will begin to establish their own thoughts and pave way for more ideas. Young ones can voice their thoughts and makes them feel like their opinions count.

Convergence makes people think about issues socially, economically, historically, politically and a bunch of other ways that end in "-ally." Society should enjoy this phenomenon because questioning it is just a waste a time. You never know, tomorrow something new may come up and you would have missed it all... so catch up while you can.

My Promise

I promise my future students that I will incorporate technology into my classes.