This week has definitely been a hard one. I am still trying to get my head wrapped around all of my classes and the expectations for them. It is still pretty overwhelming but I am getting there.
This week I have been studying up on how to use Twitter. Since I am not much of a social media butterfly it is taking some getting used to. Something I also learned about in class was Plickers (plickers.com) which is an app that everyone should check out for themselves because it is a little hard for me to explain. I will be using this app this Friday for my middle and high school students, but it is good for almost any age.
Something else I have been reading a learning about is ways to incorporate social media in the classroom. A great article about this is https://www.edutopia.org/blog/differentiated-instruction-social-media-tools-john-mccarthy . There are many different opinions about using social media in the classroom, but I think it can be a great advantaged if used correctly. This article also contains a link to an on going list of social media tools that teachers can use. I think that one big thing for me is that social media provides an easy and effective way for teachers to get parents involved in what their students are doing. This is something that is highly important. Teachers need to make sure to work with parents and families of the students in their class and social media can help with that. I know that this is something I will use to help keep my future students’ parents updated.
Savanna, I understand where you're coming from, it will take a couple weeks for us to get in the swing of things! I loved learning how plickers works and will definitely use the app in my future classroom. It is a great easy effective way to see what your students know and it keeps them on their toes. Social media and technology seems to be a common topic that we have all been learning about and want to focus on. I think that is a great point that you made. Teachers do need to make sure they are connected with and include their students parents and update them and social media is a great way to do that.
ReplyDeleteSavanna,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your differentiation discussion about social media over the past week. You and Colleen did a great job. I have honestly never thought about using social media in my classroom. It seemed daunting at first because of all the bullying that could go on if it is not used correctly. After reading in the Google Community and the link you posted, it definitely seems to have its benefits. I would probably only use it with older students in class, but I LOVE the thought of getting parents involved in this way!! Great idea. There are always more ways to get parents plugged in and the more the merrier.
Savanna,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that you are starting to investigate social media for educational purposes. Social media can really have a positive impact on your future classroom if you are aware of the impact. I didn't see NCTCS connections.
Hello Savanna,
ReplyDeleteI am also having a hard time figuring out all my classes and figuring out the best schedule for me, with having full time school and working a full time job, it can be very stressful. I also discovered Plickers this week and think it will be helpful for this class especially since we are having to create so many visuals. I am also trying to figure out Twitter, I love Facebook but don't use Twitter much. I also think social media can be a great tool to use in the classroom, especially because the world has become so technology and social media driven.