Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Social Media in the Classroom
The last couple weeks I have been thinking about using social media in the classroom. I've wondered if anyone has used it at all. There are many examples of how it could be beneficial. Teachers could create a blog and have students respond to it. Or you could have a class facebook or myspace account and have discussions and assignments posted there. Finally, you could use cell phones in your classroom to take formative assessments. I attended a professional development seminar recently on using cell phones in the classroom. Jason Hitsman, a science teacher at Beaverton High, presented. He uses web sites such as Wiffiti (http://www.wiffiti.com/) and Poll Everywhere (http://www.polleverywhere.com/) to allow his students in class to offer live answers. One website produces free responses, good for brain storming and assignments of that nature. The other uses polling, which is good for multiple choice answers. Email him at jhitsman@brs.cgresd.net to get more information on how to use cell phones in the classroom.
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These are great ideas Brent. I guess we are only limited by our imagination. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteI have used facebook as a coach to get information to my team regarding snow day practice cancellations and other announcements. I have also used facebook to help kids with homework using the chat window. The MEA and NEA recommend against being "friends" with students on facebook but if you set up a group for students with appropriate filters to keep them out of your personal life it can work without too much trouble. I have found that it's a good way to connect with kids as well. When they hae the chance to see that I have a life outside of school they see me as more of a person and it also gives me quick conversation starters when I see what they are up to on facebook. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's time that we embrace the technology that the kids are using instead of pretending that it will go away.