Technology is a huge part of the world we are now living in. It makes many elements of our daily lives quicker, easier, and more exciting. Why would we not incorporate technology into our classrooms? Technology is something that the current generation is very familiar with and it can be very motivating as well as a great resource for independence and differentiation. Besides using BrightLinks, Smartboard, iPads, document cameras, etc., I also plan on incorporating social media in my classroom.
As an educator, I believe that using social media is a huge asset to the classroom. There are many ways in which I plan to use it. First of all, I will definitely use it as a communication tool. I will have the option for parents and students to follow me on a professional Twitter page where I will post news, updates, and homework assignments. I would also like my students to be using Twitter as a communication tool as well. I will want them to be sharing information, asking and answering questions, and taking summative assessments such as “ticket-out the door” through Twitter. By watching what my students are talking about, I can help guide my lessons to help them. Students can ease into participation by doing it online first.
By using social media such as Twitter students can also learn a lot about other people from all around the world. They can easily interact with others, ask questions, and learn about different countries, cultures, religions, and professions by personal communication. This could be learned about through books and research and I still value that kind of learning but by using social media, this can engage students better and excite them more. This can create a more globalized and knowledgeable youth.
Google provides wonderful resources that I will want to use in my classroom. One of the resources that I use in my classroom is Google Apps for Education. Also, I love the Google drive/docs aspect because it is great knowing that students can save all of their assignments somewhere where it cannot get deleted. This will be used for group projects also because students can easily share their information as well as work on it as a group in different places at once. I like being able to view students’ work as well at any time. Students can easily be providing feedback and constructive criticism through Google docs. Google Maps is another great tool to maps to teach about globalization, geography, and places.
Pinterest can also be a huge asset because it is ideal for differentiation. I can easily post homework or supplemental activities to different students’ boards. Also, Pinterest is a great research tool because of the vast amount of information on there. When one item is pinned to a board, students can click the board to see what other items have been pinned there. Because these relate, more research can be done. Even for myself, I can find different lesson plan ideas or information about setting up my classroom, etc.
As for supplements for actual lessons, youtube.com or brightstorm.com can be a big help and I will be using it. Both can be used to give students great visuals, as well as build background information. A quick clip can explain a lot. Youtube can also be a benefit English Language Learners. If I could find the story we are reading in class in their language so they can preview the book before we read it in English (this link could be placed onto their Pinterest board). Also, there are technologies such as GoAnimate where I can create little videos to share with your class. By using Youtube teachers can even take their class on virtual field trips!
By using social media in the classroom, students are connected not only to each other and the teacher, but to a wide range of people and resources as well. Social media provides students with a fun, engaging way to learn and share information. This helps build a bridge between school and home providing constant ways to be learning. Of course there would need to be permission from parents for students to use social media as well as workshops about how to use social media properly, safely, and effectively.
As an educator, I believe that using social media is a huge asset to the classroom. There are many ways in which I plan to use it. First of all, I will definitely use it as a communication tool. I will have the option for parents and students to follow me on a professional Twitter page where I will post news, updates, and homework assignments. I would also like my students to be using Twitter as a communication tool as well. I will want them to be sharing information, asking and answering questions, and taking summative assessments such as “ticket-out the door” through Twitter. By watching what my students are talking about, I can help guide my lessons to help them. Students can ease into participation by doing it online first.
By using social media such as Twitter students can also learn a lot about other people from all around the world. They can easily interact with others, ask questions, and learn about different countries, cultures, religions, and professions by personal communication. This could be learned about through books and research and I still value that kind of learning but by using social media, this can engage students better and excite them more. This can create a more globalized and knowledgeable youth.
Google provides wonderful resources that I will want to use in my classroom. One of the resources that I use in my classroom is Google Apps for Education. Also, I love the Google drive/docs aspect because it is great knowing that students can save all of their assignments somewhere where it cannot get deleted. This will be used for group projects also because students can easily share their information as well as work on it as a group in different places at once. I like being able to view students’ work as well at any time. Students can easily be providing feedback and constructive criticism through Google docs. Google Maps is another great tool to maps to teach about globalization, geography, and places.
Pinterest can also be a huge asset because it is ideal for differentiation. I can easily post homework or supplemental activities to different students’ boards. Also, Pinterest is a great research tool because of the vast amount of information on there. When one item is pinned to a board, students can click the board to see what other items have been pinned there. Because these relate, more research can be done. Even for myself, I can find different lesson plan ideas or information about setting up my classroom, etc.
As for supplements for actual lessons, youtube.com or brightstorm.com can be a big help and I will be using it. Both can be used to give students great visuals, as well as build background information. A quick clip can explain a lot. Youtube can also be a benefit English Language Learners. If I could find the story we are reading in class in their language so they can preview the book before we read it in English (this link could be placed onto their Pinterest board). Also, there are technologies such as GoAnimate where I can create little videos to share with your class. By using Youtube teachers can even take their class on virtual field trips!
By using social media in the classroom, students are connected not only to each other and the teacher, but to a wide range of people and resources as well. Social media provides students with a fun, engaging way to learn and share information. This helps build a bridge between school and home providing constant ways to be learning. Of course there would need to be permission from parents for students to use social media as well as workshops about how to use social media properly, safely, and effectively.