First of all if you haven't see the following site, take a moment to pause and read it first. Then see my reflection below and give me some thoughts and feedback on your own personal (or future) experience using social media in the classroom:
http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2010/05/100-inspiring-ways-to-use-social-media-in-the-classroom/
First let me say that although I teach an adult basic education/GED course a couple days a week my main experience in education has been in the K-12 setting (primarily grades 6-8). Also, I live in rural Idaho so in many cases technology hasn't reached this neck of the woods, even if I want to implement more advanced items into the classroom, outside of the room students might not have access to the tools needed.
Knowing this background I was shocked on the number of things I have already tried or implemented in my classrooms from the list they provided. Although I'm technologically savvy myself, I've often hesitated to bring social media into the classroom, or so I thought. Reading this list I've just avoided some of the more mainstream ideas it seems.
One of the greatest tools I've used is the use of student lead conferences online (teacher/parent) conferences, are amazing to do online. I did this with middle school students and scheduled parents to attend at a given time and students prepared a PowerPoint showing the items I had outlined. I would also have slides provided for the students to follow to spark conversation and discussion items to reflect on the good and bad of the quarter or semester. Students enjoyed taking the time to share with me, share with parents, and I enjoyed the fact that parents attended. In the traditional setting I had maybe 10% of parents show up to face-to-face conferences at the middle school level. Doing them online provided more flexibility with parent work schedules and attendance was 100% every year I've held them. This is something I'll continue to do in an online environment.
Social media allows students to follow professors, mentors, or other important people in the field of study and this enables them to find out about their research and professional activities. Students can learn more from experienced mentors in the relevant field and this can be made possible by the use of social media.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting to learn that Twitter and facebook offer a great way to enhance communication among students and instructors especially in helping shy students. There are students who find it difficult to participate in class simply because of their age, some feel they are too young and others feel they are too old. For older students, it is embarrassing and for young ones it is scary. So using social media can help overcome all their problems because everyone may simply express their opinions. Brophy (1995) surveyed effective teachers to find out how they responded to shy students. The most commonly mentioned responses included (1) changing the social environment (e.g., seating them among friendly classmates or assigning them to a partner or small group), (2) encouraging or shaping increased responsiveness, (3) minimizing stress or embarrassment, (4) engaging shy students in special activities, and (5) involving them in frequent private talks. Conspicuously absent from these teachers' responses was emphasis on threat or punishment.
Brophy, J. (1995). Elementary teachers’ perceptions of and reported strategies for coping with twelve types of problem students. East Lansing, MI: Institute for Research on Teaching, Michigan State University.
Thank you for the comment on my blog. I agree age can be a factor in making a blog work in the classroom. I agree use of a computer can take away that shyness in a lot of students. I'm encouraged to give it a try. Thank you.
DeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI've definitely learned the art of implementing pieces of technology. Although I do not currently teach, I consider myself to be knowledgeable about technology. Unfortunately, everyone is not. We've been working on a social media plan for my company for two years and it's gone nowhere. Most of our leadership fear what can be said or done through social media. What I have done is begun to add bits and pieces of technology when I can. Right now, I use LinkedIn a lot. I also tweet our job openings through my professional twitter account. This spring, I plan to host some tweet chats during college recruiting season.
Thank you for your comments on my blog. I like your idea of introducing things slowly and in a less worrisome approach. I also use Linkedin for my professional circle. I like your ideas and your gentle approach.
DeleteDear Rebecca
ReplyDeleteWell said there, you seem to be one of the digital natives we have in this course. I am impressed with the way you use technology to enhance teaching and learning. Gone are those days where women had to take a back seat when it comes to technology. New media have indeed tranformed the way we teach and learn. More especially social networks have proved to be catalysts in bridging the transctional distance. One of the reasons is that most of the youth nowdays spend most of their time on social networks.
It was geat to read your post.
Cheers
Blessing
Thank you! I feel my experience has been somewhat limiting even though I've taught online for a long time the fact most of my teaching is with elementary students I have held back on a lot of social media resources. I think this class will inspire me to reach a little outside my comfort zone and try new ideas with technology, which is a good thing. I appreciate your comments!
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