As shown on the chart, today's students have a huge presence online. By incorporating social media and technology in the classroom, teachers can increase student motivation to learn and increase student interaction. The use of social media in the classroom immediately lends itself to student collaboration and cooperation. Also students are more apt to share their projects and writings through this avenue than through traditional ones. Students will be able to evaluate, share and make comments on their classmates post. They can also work in groups to create projects and content. Also by using social media, students can have greater access to the teacher or a classmate for feedback or assistance. While there are some risks involved with having students post online, teachers can reduce such risks by making sure they can review and approve student comments before they are posted online and also teachers can create blogs on sites such as kidblog.org that are more kid-friendly and safer than other blog sites. Given the number and ages of students who now have a presence online, it just makes good sense to incorporate these trends into classroom instruction.
Wow - that graph is very telling. We need to keep up with our students. My daughter is not yet 2, and already enjoys "typing" on the keyboard and watching what happens. Teachers are going to not only keep up, but really get ahead of their students when it comes to using technology and social media. Valerie, you made some great points about students being more apt to participate and about it allows for more feedback. I hadn't thought about that aspect. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJamie and Valerie,
ReplyDeleteDo you also find that your teachers are intimidated by the technology and the ability the students have at using the technology. I see many teachers in my building only use what they know. When asked, they comment that the students know more tha they do, how will they keep them doing the write thing. They seem to think that it is easier to not let them have access rather than learning something new themselves.
Chad,
ReplyDeleteYes, I do think that some teachers are intimidated by technology especially if they are not being provided ongoing training and professional development. I also think that the school administration has to make it clear that technology should be an integral part of the curriculum and not just used for games and/or drill and practice.
Jaime,
I have two grandchildren who are 8 and 9. They are very computer savvy! Also at their school in San Diego every student has a netbook on their desk and their lessons seem to integrate technology seamlessly. It is amazing how young these kids are and with a presence online so we have to incorporate that into their instruction.