NEA - Social Media Made Simple - 18 views
-
Social Media Made Simple
-
Justin Esparza on 30 Jan 14This article provides a prime example of how social media can be integrated into a physics classroom, yet may be easily applied to other types of science fields.
-
Jaime Villanueva on 31 Jan 14Justin, The millennial generation has transition from other social media sites to instant sites like Twitter,Vines SnapChat, etc.I believe this is happening because of the instant feedback they receive from these platforms.Why not use these sources for learning in the classroom. For example,a teacher could develop a instant game that incorporate Twitter as platform of learning. The teacher ask a question and the first student that answer it correctly wins.The teacher could have a computer displayed on a screen and showcase the interaction to the class.
-
Sean Getchell on 31 Jan 14Justin, I really like how the social media applications are finally moving beyond just "Facebook" or "Twitter". Savvy teachers are now using these tools to be more proactive in their learning styles, and promoting greater engagement in their own students. I don't know about you, but it's teachers like Michelle Burgess that will help teach students far beyond a single class. Great usage of podcats, by the way. Being that most teachers seem to have more students than they can realistically keep up with, by having a lesson plan that students can continually reference as needed is a great idea.
-
Amanda Lerma on 01 Feb 14Justin, Thank you for sharing this article. I am currently not a teacher but I am very interested in the flipped classroom and how social media can be used to facilitate this strategy. As the article states, the flipped classroom allows for students to complete their lower-level thinking for homework and engage in higher-level thinking in the classroom. I think it's much more effective to stray away from the regurgitation of facts in the classroom and have the students become actively involved in real life applications. One of several benefits of the flipped classroom is that students will have access to watch videos or read blogs as many times as needed. I think this is very beneficial for the students since not all students learn at the same pace. This can allow for the instructor to provide additional guidance to those students who may need more one on one interaction. Additionally, students themselves will also have the opportunity to provide assistance to their peers. One of the possibilities I see with the flipped classroom are students collaboratively working on projects through wikis or conducting self reflections on blogs.
-
Lucretia Human on 02 Feb 14Justin, The use of Edmodo in classrooms has really encouraged student to engage in technology. I did a project in one of my earlier EDTC classes and found that Edmodo was so very easy to use. Since the project was completed, Edmodo has come out with some new features that make it even more fun and easy to navigate. Edmodo added badges, much like what Dr. Butler is letting us experience during this class. There are so many different ways you can incorporate badges into your curriculum. One of the ways I have seen teachers use these is not only with their students, but with other teachers. The Tech department host mini seminars on using a variety of technology and if the teachers attend and try the new technology..Bingo earn badges. The teacher actually compete to see how many they can earn. If teachers do that what do you think your students will do?
-
Laura Esquivel on 03 Feb 14Justin, Thanks for using that article. Edmodo I think encourages students to get engaged a lot. I used Edmodo for a project I did for my under grad. I saw that it has a lot of features that students and parents can use. It lets students blog, view grades and do assignments. As time changes I think that we will be seeing more and more of technology being used in schools. I think that is a great tool to use because look how we use online discussions a lot. The kids will be ready for the next step in life.
-
Maricela Gonzalez on 03 Feb 14Justin, I enjoyed reading your hosted article. I too try to incorporate social media in my lesson plans by keeping a YouTube channel that the students in my classroom can access at any time. My YouTube channel exists to help assist my students in everything from English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) Meta-cognition strategies to 'How to write a STAAR Expository Essay." These are all modules that I have uploaded, and created within my graduate course, as I tried to align them to the needs of my 7th grade classroom. I only have a few followers, as the students seem a bit shy to add my channel for whatever reason. But my students have told me that they have viewed my lesson modules, and that it's helped them learn how to begin to like ELAR. Students, or really anyone that views my channel can leave a message or inquiry. In addition, social Media and the use of technology is the way to go, and in particular why I picked the Educational Technology degree for graduate studies. Furthermore, the article you hosted mentioned what flip classrooms do. They teach the upper level in the classroom setting, but then provide lower level content to bridge any educational gaps from the day's instruction. They do this by way of supplemental online lessons and social media access. I definitely feel that students need to be able to communicate through social media outlets, because learning is an ongoing process and instant communication mediums (such as the one we are currently using to post) are critical to today's learning society. It's just the way things are done now a days- the way of the world. Here is an additional website that has an interactive slide share that discusses the benefits and disadvantages of social media in education- http://www.slideshare.net/ErnestoLuna1/social-media-in-education-advantages-disadvantages-13575997
-
Maricela Gonzalez on 03 Feb 14Sean, You make a good point here with your response to Justin's posting. Education has moved into another realm, and social media is where it's at. I recall back in the day my aunt used to have a huge collection of Encyclopedia Britannica's. They were so expensive, and oh so bulky. Even though they were a wealth of information, they were oh so time consuming to go through. They didn't provide feedback to any questions, and they definitely weren't high tech. When the internet revolution exploded, we began to gather and share our information differently. We not only relied on text, but started to get feedback and communicate with others over our findings through social media outlets. We look up relevant topics to our questions, and ask others online for their experiences and expertise. This is now how we learn in today's internet age. Social media communication is so fast paced, that the way we gather information and formulate our ideas is now influenced by the smaller world the internet has created. Your absolutely right- smart teachers are jumping on the social media bandwagon, and those that aren't- are being forced to anyway by their administration. Social media is the way we communicate our educational needs in our communities, and beyond.
-
Felipe Reyes on 03 Feb 14The article brings out the fact that many of these Web 2.0 tools can be incorporated into classrooms of any subject. I believe teachers need to feel comfortable regarding the tool being safe for student use. Edmodo is a good example of an education friendly tool which replicates other, more popular tools which provide less opportunity for sheltering students from exposure to social networking risks. This provides teachers a safe environment to introduce safe and responsible practices to students.
-
Janice Wilson Butler on 04 Feb 14And easy to use. I was looking at stats, and there are currently more Edmodo users than there are BlackBoard users. I would have to say that is a pretty good deal. I know that teachers who have used it tend to move their classes to that format. It also prepares the K-12 student to be proficient in using an LMS - so we are preparing them for their future.
-
-
Instead of constantly trying to get students to put their phones away, educators can use the devices to their advantage.
-
I allow for students to use the calculator abilities of their cell phones if the lesson doesn't call for tasks beyond a scientific calculator; however engaging applications, such as Poll Daddy, are great ways to integrate the cell phone in the classroom.
-
I allow for students to use the calculator abilities of their cell phones if the lesson doesn't call for tasks beyond a scientific calculator; however engaging applications, such as Poll Daddy, are great ways to integrate the cell phone in the classroom.
-
How about students using a blog to write as a writing assignment about a specific topic or as a daily diary outside the classroom! Blogger and WordPress are two biggest blog sites that students could use for free.
-
Jaime, I currently work with both Blogger and Wordpress and they are both excellent tools for writing assignments. I use Blogger in a class that I'm taking where each week the professor will post an article about some technological dilemma and upon reading the article we answer his question and we also reply to our classmates. I use Wordpess in both of the classes that I'm teaching and it works in a similar manner, students read their assigned chapter, they answer the question that I posted and they are required to comment on three of their classmates' comments.
-
Jaime, I've used Blogger and Wordpress for self-reflection in a couple of my previous courses in the EdTech program. I have to admit that the very first time I was asked to self-reflect in one my courses, I completely viewed it as "busy work". For me, it was just another task amongst the many that would need to be completed that week. However, I've found self-reflection to be such an important part of the learning process as it has enabled me to gain more insight as to how I learn. The added bonus is that both Blogger and Wordpress are extremely easy to use and can keep a great record of your journey throughout the semester.
-
Amanda, I agree with your statement about the "very first time I was asked to self-reflect in one my courses, I completely viewed it as "busy work." I do wish now I had a copy of all the many post I have made over the course of this program, whether in a blogger, someone else's blog, discussion board or Wordpress. I think maybe in the future UTB could find a way to keep all the post by students in one central location or just encourage students to preserve the ones they have written. All of those compiled would be a excellent way to view the growth of every student.
-
Justin, One of my favorite tools for cell phone use in the classroom is Poll Everywhere. Here is a website that explains how it works www.polleverywhere.com/how-it-works It is fun, easy and my students like it. You can poll the class to see if the majority have read the material, pre-quiz questions, feedback about the class, feedback about the mood of the class or simply to introduce a new topic. Try it, your students will love it.
-
Justin, The use of cell phones in classroom is a good tool. Almost every teenager has a cell phone to use. This would get them to participate in different activities. I am sure that are different apps that they could download on their phones to use in class like blogs, or a planner to keep track of all assignments. The calculator is a great tool that cell phones have. I find myself using it frequently!
-
Laura, Smart phones in the classroom can be so great to use as a teaching tool. Students can access the internet in the palm of their hands, and then communicate through social media websites. It makes a big difference when the students are using technology to get their ideas across. We are teaching them with social mediums that will strike their interests and keep them engaged. As educators we need to change with the times, and social media is definitely the way to do it.
-
Los Fresnos is moving into the BYOD model - I know it is getting mixed reviews.The important thing is to make sure that the teachers have received appropriate training. Of course, that is always important but too frequently, the last thing they think of!
-
I'm a believer of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) with incentives for acting responsibly and monitoring to ensure those not willing to adhere to standards loose their privilege. Unfortunately, most IT departments are unwilling to risk opening up networks, but security solutions are becoming affordable and the possibility of BYOD could soon be a way of leveraging technology at school..
-
Dr. Butler, As a teacher in Los Fresnos CISD, I'd love to give my two cents on their BYOD program. I encourage the use of BYOD in all my classes. Most of the devices that are brought are cell phones. At this point though, less than half of the students actually bring a device. This can create a sort of segregation as it seems that most students with devices aren't from low-income families. In my class, I try not to make too many resources strictly online-only. Because most students only have cell phones, it is difficult for them to type on word or google doc type of software. In our teacher support training for BYOD, we learned about different apps that could make students successful. However, if I publish flash cards for review on a app, for example, then I might as well print them out too for students who don't have access. Since I'm limited in time (prep period is very short), it would be a waste to create that digital resource when I could be using that time to grade papers, call/email parents, and doing many other things I don't have time to do during the day. In addition, I do have many students who don't have internet access at home. So, that's a challenge I didn't see coming when I started this year. I think BYOD is a good start but will really be effective when equality ensures that everyone has at least one device. I also didn't mention the time I spend telling students to put the 'Flappy Bird' game away or their Snapchat app.
-
Daniel, I agree with your comments. BYOD is a great idea but it is also limiting. Even if students and parents have the funds to provide a device, there will be some parents and students who will not abide by the guidelines. I would still encourage all teachers to attempt to use mobile devices in the classroom. Some students may be encouraged to use them for educational purposes once they see how much more fun the subject matter can be. Managing the classroom may be more challenging but it is worth it.
-
I like the idea of BYOD. However, I think this it will be hard for the students because not all the student have devices. It will be great if the school district will have tablets or ipads for students to uses them during school time. This will be so good for the student to get them familiar with technology and get them ready fro the future.
-
I believe that with time BYOD is going to be supported and widely available. I have to say it is a powerful tool and way of learning when you have technology at your fingertips. The options increase, the way of learning increase and overall learning enhances at a higher level. I really think that BYOD can help out individual learning and decrease performance gap in the classroom. Yet, for some and at times many it is difficult to afford even a tablet or computer. At this point more and more students have access to the internet and devices that can access the internet. More and more consumers are buying smartphones and are allowing there students to have one at a very early age. It is going to take time for equality to quick in but I ask myself how do we overcome this issue at hand at this moment? Any thoughts? What works? What doesn't work at this moment in regards to utilizing BYOD with all students in the classroom?
-
-
- ...5 more annotations...
-
Skitch—Skitch is a quick and easy photo-editing app. Language teachers might find it particularly useful. Load up a photo and have the student label everything in it with correct the vocabulary.
-
To learn more about Skitch, here is a link that shows how you may use it to provide instructions for your clients: http://evernote.com/skitch/
-
To learn more about Skitch, here is a link that shows how you may use it to provide instructions for your clients: http://evernote.com/skitch/
-
Nice - I downloaded Skitch but have only looked at it briefly to see what it can do.
-
-
Social Media Made Simple
-
This article provides a prime example of how social media can be integrated into a physics classroom, yet may be easily applied to other types of science fields.
-
For the most part every teacher would like to incorporate technology in the classroom. The perception by most educators is who has time to learn another technology application. Teachers are so busy all day prepping students for tests and trying to meet district standards that one more thing on my plate is not an option. Incorporating technology in the classroom can be implemented in small increment steps. Downloading district approved applications is one of the quickest ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. I can safely say that the majority of the educators probably have IPads in the classroom already. For those teachers that are not very comfortable with technology can pair up with another teacher or mentor in their campus. Another option is to use Microsoft PowerPoint application and create game based learning modules.
-
In response to Rene, the cost of tablets is going down and more districts are looking at implementing 1:1 solutions. Loosing a textbook and damage or lose of a device are quickly becoming about the same. McAllen ISD took a big "leap of faith" when they decided to go district-wide on their initiative. I think a lot of the negatives are being overstated, and it seems the positives are still outweighing the negatives. Districts still need to see what will work for them, but letting others find the potholes makes it easier to move forward down a new road.
-
-
-
Children are using social media as method of communicating, most kids do not talk on the phone they text or use social media.
-
I have a great story in regards to the text above. I entered a science class where I had to provide inclusion to a six graded who was not able to write his name correctly. I struggled for about six months trying to figure out a way to help this student. One day I took my personal iPad mini to class to take notes for my student. I didn't have much room so the mini was perfect for note taking. Plus I really dislike using paper and pencil. I left the mini with my student and asked him to take care of it while I left to the restroom. When I came back I saw my student using the mini to take down notes. At this point I allowed him to write down the notes because he was having trouble keeping up with the notes. After two months of using the mini he was able to keep up with the class notes and then made the jump to writing his name and some annotation in paper and pencil. I saw the evolution and transformation that this student was part of thanks to a simple device like the iPad mini. I was pleased that at the end of the year he was able to write down notes and his full name. The iPad mini allowed my student to take down notes and keep up in class. It allowed him to recognize words, phrases, sentence structure, note taking skills and much more. My student didn't utilize social media but was able to use technology as a method of communication.
-
-
Gould Burgess’ students subscribe to her blog, which is run through Wordpress, so that all their homework materials are emailed to them when she posts them online.
-
Such powerful tools and great use of them but I have to share my experience with the lack of resources that students have. I have recently asked all of my students during each class about the access of internet at home or a close location. About 50 percent of the student population does not have internet access or a computer at home. About 25 percent of those students and usually they are the ones that struggle do not have access to a close location that provides a computer or internet access. The power behind accessing a blog with all the students homework and exercising learning principles that enhance learning is amazing and effective. How much paper and money is saved by having students turn in homework through google docs? How easy and effective is it for the student and the teacher? No more lost papers? No more papers ripped half way or cheating involved? How about the use of collaboration and team work instead of cheating? How about the motivation behind learning in a way that the student is already comfortable with? Powerful tools and powerful ways of learning is what this teacher is providing. Working smarter and not harder!!!!
-
-
Teachers post free print outs, pictures of beautiful classrooms, and links to resources. Don’t forget to follow NEA Today!
-
I am surprised that a lot of the students are familiar with this tool. Arts and crafts are an important part of life and a huge amount of learners incorporate it in their life. If it is part of the learners life then they must utilize it to learn. If they can use it to learn then why not allow them to use it academically. Today's learner is like any other learner from our past history. Engaged is the learner in music, art, dance, personal expression, painting, and related topics. Allowing the learner to utilize tools that express such interest can only lead to positive learning, motivation and higher order thinking when you connect one subject to another with the use of the tool. I like Pinterest myself and see the importance and effectiveness that it can cause in the classroom and why the learner in the K-12 system knows how to utilize it.
-
-
Here are some great ways to simplify the integration of social media web 2.0 tools in the classroom.
- ...11 more comments...
-
I find it very interesting as she states that with her system of teaching students have no excuse not to do their homework. Burgess is quoted saying "They know that I know that they have everything they need [to do their work]." I see this at home with my 10 year old, she has a laptop, desktop, iPad, iPhone and a father that knows it all. She has all the tools needed to conduct research, communicate, calculate, and so forth. Thus, as Burgess says, she has not excuse not to do her work.
-
Great article about educators using technology in the classroom. These technologies are impacting how educators teach and learners learn. There should be much more resources (funding) allotted to public schools for initiatives that promise to change the way we teach. There is no doubt that these tools have impacted and will continue to impact schools and the learners. The new media is making the subject matter more exciting and engaging. However, there are some challenges. First, not enough funding is allocated for technology. Second, we still have educators who are apathetic about using any kind of technology in the classroom. Third, there still is a digital divide in some of our public schools. On one side we have parents who can and will provide any tool for their children to succeed. On the other hand, we still have many parents that by no choice of their own, lack the resources to provide their children the most up to date tools to make learning a positive experience.
-
Rene, you touch on a point that I experienced when my daughter stared school this year. We went to her school on meet the teacher day. The teacher went over the rules and what was expected of every child, she then told us that the school was starting a program in which student would be allowed to bring a device and use in class. She indicated that it could be an iPhone, iPad, laptop and so forth. One parent asked what if their child did not have any of those devices, what they were going to do during that time. It was a very award moment but that parent had a legitimate concern. For some reason we assume that every child owns one of these devices but that is not the case, we need to take these type of issues into consideration when trying to implement a program such as bring your own device.
-
Martin, Your earlier post regarding how your daughter has all the tools to do her homework made me think back to some of the criticisms from others that do not believe in incorporating technology in the learning environment. I remember reading one comment on an article where someone said that "googling something is not learning". In certain aspects, that statement is true, but I definitely think technology can be used to promote critical thinking and higher level thinking. For example, students could use google to conduct research but could then collaborate with their peers by interpreting and analyzing the research on wikis or Google Drive. They could also use tools such as Glogster or VoiceThread in an effort to foster their creative skills.
-
Jaime I have used Wordpress in two of my previous classes. I found it to be a very good and educational tool to use. I enjoyed learning about Wordpress and using it in both of my classes. I found out it easy and effective to use. The communication with my professors using Wordpress was great. I like the fact that its convenient and free.
-
Justin, I agree with Laura Esquivel. The use of a cell phone in the classroom is very helpful for students to utilize and obtain information or do any kind of research. However, another educational tool that is now being used a lot is the IPAD or the Android tablet. The children in school enjoy using these tools because they are very helpful to them. The students are able to download educational applications that can help them in what they are studying and etc... My daughter and I use our IPADs frequently for school and have found it to be very helpful.
-
Martin, In regards to the point that Rene made...my daughter's school is doing the same. They can bring their own device as well but if they don't the can borrow one from the school. I was hesitant at first as well. Then I started seeing the things that they do with all this technology I was amazed. I so grateful that they are showing them at a young age. Sometimes my daughter helps me with certain applications.
-
Justin, This is a great article showing how the use of web 2.0 technologies are both easy to use and integrate in the classroom. I especially liked the way the authors referenced the use of Edmodo for project submissions in electronic format. I believe that all paper projects and assignments should be submitted in electronic format to allow for faster submission to professors, reduction in costly utilization of paper, and to be current with the way technology is used in the "real world". I really like Edmodo as I have previously interviewed a high school instructor that has implemented after hours use of Edmodo as a bonus help/tutoring service to students with astonishing results. Of the total number of students, more than 80% were participating with at least one question or response to another student once a week while 75% were participating at least two times per week. Additionally, students would help answer other student questions freeing up the instructor to answer more difficult questions or help lead discourse in the subject area. Again, really good article and a great way to kick us off on the Diigo discussion boards!
-
Here are some great ways to simplify the integration of social media web 2.0 tools in the classroom.
-
Having students borrow the technology is a great idea, until the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. I have heard complaints from the McAllen ISD that they have to pay large amounts of money of else the district doesn't let the student graduate or enroll in school.
-
Justin, great article. I like the flipped room concept. I agree with the teacher that lower level thinking skills should be used at home. Why? because I want the students to use their higher level thinking skills in the classroom. If they have questions and start to steer the wrong way with their higher level thinking skills. I can redirect and get them on the correct path again. Students need to be able to go home and rest. They should not have to be brain dead after a home work assignment and that is why some students hate school
-
Jamie, I have used word press and it works ok. I do not think there is anything exciting about using word press. I think word press is ok. I am also liking this new discussion type forum DIIGO. I have never used it before and now that I have been made part of the group and can comment on the article and what other students think it works pretty good.
-
No doubt that these tools are creating more opportunities for teaching and learning. With the onset of so many tools there is a major transformation on the way subject matter is presented. The learner is no longer a passive individual sitting on a desk. These technologies have allowed educators to present the material more vividly and engaging. As educators, however, we must also take in consideration that not all students have the resources that will allow them to use these tools at home. A post by Daniel that some students don't have cell phones is appalling. Nonetheless, the probabilty that some students may not have certain resources is very real. So, before you flip your classroom, please consider the marginal students. I used to be one of them.