What do you feel about using social media in the classroom? What are some tools you use that seem to benefit your education?
Some people believe that social media is a distraction to learning and life. Some people use social media to interact with people. Others use social networks and media for entertainment. Videos, images, interactive technologies are available all across the board so why not use it to educate.
Tools like Facebook, twitter and youtube help enhance information literacy and comprehension. Current events are often casted on social media. Students are able to research information online. Students are able to connect from multiple devices and access the information. Videos, pictures and games are used to enhance comprehension. For example for at the elementary school level fifth graders can research a topic, and present the information provided. Students can watch video lectures , and examples of the material discussed so they can understand the information. for example if doing a unit on the civil war. Students can research pictures, and I video examples that demonstrate or represent the unit.
Teachers and students can use social media in order to communicate. Teachers can create a page where students and their parents can view upcoming events and assignments. Students can email or message their teachers and peers. This is helpful for collaboration. For example if students are working on a group assignment they can chat and interact with their group members through social networks like Facebook. These are just some ideas of how social media can help in the classroom.
What are some examples of how you use the Internet and social media in your school?