Social media has changed the way that we all interact with each other online. Social Media has allowed us the ability to discover what’s happening in the world in actual-time, to associate with each other and remain in contact. We have access to infinite amounts of information at our fingertips. In many ways, social media has helped many individuals find their niche in the world and it make the globe seem more approachable. So why would we not want to bring it into our classrooms?
In the reading 5 Ultimate Tricks of Using Social Media as Learning Tools by Stephanie Norman (2018) she gives us examples how both students and teachers can benefit from bring the social media platform into a classroom. By using Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter to name a few I could diffantaly see how these tools would peak the interest of our students.We know that most of our students down time is spent on some form of social media. Our goal is to educate our students so changing our lesson plans fo fit their interest is just a no-brainer. We can present the lesson and activity to our students in a way they can have fun and gain knowledge of the objective which makes it a win win. I look forward to experimenting with some of her ideas. I do realize that not all students will have access to social media for one reason or another but my goal will to make it a fair and level applicable assignment.
Before encouraging my student to access social media I will present them with several lessons on how the stay safe. Next is a video that offers tips on how to safely enjoy social media.
With he majority of social media being viewed on a smart phone it will be important that our lessons be mobile phone accessible. Pappas (2018) gives us a few pointers on just how to do this in his post 7 Tips To Create Responsive Design For Mobile Learning. I work in a school district that has a one to one chromebook ratio for all grades. Grades K-5 are kept in the classroom but students 6-12 carry the chromebooks with them. Even though they all have access to a chromebook laptop it doesnt mean they have wireless internet when they return home. If I make my lessons mobile friendly it takes some of the internet accessibility out of the equation. Getting the lessons to the students either in-person or online is our objective so why not use all means possible. There is no rule saying learning can’t be fun and exciting.
References:
Norman, S. (2018, March 5). 5 Ultimate Tricks of Using Social Media as Learning Tools. https://elearningindustry.com/5-ultimate-tricks-using-social-media-learning-tools
Arshavskiy, M. (2018, April 5). Social Media And eLearning: How To Improve Formal Learning With Social Media. E-Learning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/improve-formal-learning-with-social-media-social-media-elearning
Pappas, C. (2018, December 26). 7 Tips To Create Responsive Design For Mobile Learning. E-Learning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/7-tips-create-responsive-design-mobile-learning
Video link: https://youtu.beW726-whX33c