Step One-Descriptive stage.
Over the last few years, my use of social media tools has steadily increased, from connecting with teachers on the Teachers page on Facebook to creating my own Twitter account and connecting with educators who share my passions. Since become an ADE, my social networking has improved, however I still am a bit of a “ghost tweeter”, preferring to lurk in the background rather than put myself out there. I have used social media mainly to develop my own teaching practices, especially when I need some new ideas on how to teach a particular topic. I find Pintrest a great source of knowledge and inspiration. Lately, I have used social media to learn how to use different Apps like Brushes in my classroom and regularly visit blogs such as Tricia Fuglestad (http://drydenart.weebly.com/). I have been in contact with her when I can’t quite figure out how her students have created something and really enjoyed learning from experts around the world. This year, my goal is to integrate STEM and Makerspace pedagogy into my classroom program, having the opportunity to connect with groups on Twitter who share this goal adds and extra layer of support and encouragement to keep trying new things. STEP TWO - Comparative Stage I really admire educators such as Kathy Cassidy who have really embraced using social media in class with their learners. I agree with her belief that digital technology is where children are at and to get them to “power down” when they come to school would disconnect them from what they know at home. As discussed by Sharples (et al, 2016) using social media can bring learning to life and engage students by giving them access to experts who can give them up to date information as it happens. The example the Kathy spoke about when she used her class Twitter account to connect with other children in Australia after the floods really proved how social media supports empathy in children. However if the pedagogy is unsuccessful teachers run the risk of accessing inaccurate information and can make classroom and students at risk of hostile responses. I think by participating in online projects like @RealTimeWWII and PepysDiary.com you can address the challenges and harness the potential benefits of social media for both learner and teacher. Step Three- Critical reflection. Social Networking with the correct pedagogy and purpose has the potential to take learning experiences for children to a deeper level. By helping children to connect with a wider audience on a global scale, can give their learning a real life feel as well as make a genuine impact on their community. Social networking also has the potential to develop teachers at their own pace, target their own strengths and areas of weakness in a safe and non threatening manner, as Seesaw describes is “PD in you PJ’s”. However for all this to happen, teachers need to open minded to a change in their delivery of the curriculum and confident to take risks alongside their learners. For many of us, social media holds many red flags that prevent us from using it with our class, but with careful preparation, time and patience, we all can unlock its potential. References Sharples, M., de Roock , R., Ferguson, R., Gaved, M., Herodotou, C., Koh, E., Kukulska-Hulme, A., Looi,C-K, McAndrew, P., Rienties, B., Weller, M., Wong, L. H. (2016). Innovating pedagogy 2016: Open University Innovation Report 5. Milton Keynes: The Open University. Retrieved from http://proxima.iet.open.ac.uk/public/innovating_pedagogy_2016.pdf Tvoparents. (2013, May 21). Using Social Media in the Classroom.[video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riZStaz8Rno
3 Comments
Paula Jamieson
3/9/2018 05:24:16 pm
Hi Trudi,
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Ida
3/10/2018 01:05:15 am
Hi Trudi,
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Helen
3/13/2018 09:22:13 pm
Hi Trudi, I agree with you when you say that "Social Networking with the correct pedagogy and purpose has the potential to take learning experiences for children to a deeper level". As teachers we can't be afraid of letting out students be on Social Media otherwise we will deprive them on experiences they otherwise might miss out on . There is negatives when exposing our students to Social Media, but the positives out way these, the knowledge they gain will benefit them and in turn our community's especially as we need to teach our students to be not only New Zealanders, but Global citizens as well.
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