Social Networking
According to AASL's findings, elementary, middle, and high schools are all using technology in the classroom and support it as a way to keep students in step with the needs of the 21st century classroom. AASL reports that of the nearly 7,000 people interviewed, half use podcasts, one third use blogs, and about a quarter use online instruction. Social networking definitely has a class in the classroom and is here to stay.
Saftey
Best Use in the Classroom
Since most schools block the use of such common sites as Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr I will suggest alternatives that still get the job done by engaging students in the classroom.
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| Delcious |
Delcious is a bookmarking site that allows students to store commonly used sites and their favorites. A pratical use is for students to save reference and resource sites specific the the class's content for continous use. They can also save links to study sites and share favorites with each other during the process.
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Since all Google images don't show up on filtered networks, students can store their own images for projects, use the public photos available on the site, and even make galleries for narratives and other projects using Flickr.
Students can use Pinterest to 'blog' to each other using quotes, images, and ideas related to the text or lesson content. They can also add comments and bill boards with common items in order to process information and analyze their content.
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| My Fake Wall |
As students read biographies, novels, and other pieces of literature, they can write reviews, rate what they read, and see what others have to say about what they have read or will read for class.
- Auto Graphics- review, comment, tag, and offer peer input from fellow media specialists
- Fish4Info- student reviews
- Destiny- share books and reviews, students can also store eBooks
- SirsiDynixis Enterprise- school approved search engines
Increasing Motivation
When students can see themselves in their work, they preform better. Allowing access to technology can be both engaging and intellectual if approached in the right manner.
Marian,
ReplyDeleteI love that you have provided alternative social media sites. It's true, when we hear "social media," we immediately jump to Facebook or Twitter. In fact, I have to admit that while I do have a Twitter, I am very anti-Facebook. Sometimes, this really hurts me because I can't relate to my students, but I'm working on getting better. I've sort of been "afraid" of social media.
However, there are some great uses of social media that seem to be "more" academic. I love the idea of using Delicious, Flickr, and Pinterest. As an avid Pintrest junkie, I had NEVER considered its use for education or for students to upload ideas, images, etc. What a terrific idea. I also love your suggestion for My Fake wall and OPAC. I plan to use that in my own classroom. What a perfect project idea for characterization for novels or even mythological characters. Also, I had never really looked at OPAC as a means of social media before until I read your blog. You're right, though. That is exactly what it is because you can leave comments or reviews on there. Thank you so much for the great ideas you've given me. I'm so excited, that I going to check out some of these sites right away and plan!
First, let me say that I love your title. Very creative and attention getting. Although I am an advocate for Social Media I must say that I was a little apprehensive for students use, due to online predators. However, after reading your blog, I have discovered how to use sites that are geared towards teachers and students. I think these sites will prevent a huge portion of the internet security question. I also like how you had the students (us) review the rules prior to beginning our internet mission.
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