Teaching with Social Media as a Tool, Why Not?
Today’s youth spend more time using entertainment technology devices than ever before, Time Magazine U.S. reports that this population spends over 7.5 hours a day on average using various forms of technology.7 As teachers we are currently competing with these electronic devices for our student’s attention. Instead of working against the technology, however, we could use it to our advantage and incorporate social media into the classroom to engage students in learning. Teachers could use the expertise of their students with these forms of media to create displays of learning using a source they enjoy working with.
Obviously, if new media, such as online social networking is used in the classroom, there are some important topics and considerations that need to be addressed prior to use. It is crucial teachers discuss concepts such as privacy, ethical conduct, piracy, and appropriate and inappropriate online behaviour. Discussing these topics prior to use will allow students to gain a better understanding of how to use technology responsibly in their own lives and in a way that is suitable for the classroom. By educating students how to behave appropriately using these tools, teachers can embrace the media their students love and use it to their advantage to get young adults excited about learning.
Social Media in the Classroom - Teaching Survey
This survey is designed to help teachers reflect on their current idea’s regarding social media and to gain a greater understanding of how this form of technology is used in the classroom.
Socail Media Blackboard Picture - http://www.losasso.com/idrive/interactive-marketing/interactive-marketing-social-media-in-the-classroom/