The Classroom and Social Networks
"You could learn real-live examples to common classroom questions." - Ninth grader's response to how social media could be used in the classroom
"Connect with people from different cultures to learn a language, learn culture." - Twelfth grader's response to the same question
Not all students are sold on the idea of social media use in the classroom. Out of 53 high school students, n feel that there isn't a place for these Web sites in the classroom (about 17 percent). Of these students, some do not use these sites at all. One student said that Facebook "can't be used in school," so I wonder if her opinion could be swayed if school blocks were removed. Twenty two of these students' peers, however, could name ideas for the integration of such sites in schools (about 42 percent). The most common suggestion provided: to communicate with teachers. With creative integration, students seem poised to see these tools as a way to keep in touch with other scholars.
Students can follow their teacher and each other on Twitter and tweet specifically about other on-line media such as blog posts, electronic articles, or thoughts about the class. Twitter helps develop an electronic connection with other students and the instructors, harnessing students’ love of the novel and the virtual.
Using Facebook in the classroom also appeals to students’ already rampant use of this site. Kitsis argues that social networking allows opportunities for students to discuss homework and write for authentic audiences. Students could be assigned the task of writing a “note” on a particular work read in class. Other students in the class could then be “tagged” and invited to comment on the work. Teachers can also give feedback using their own accounts. Security concerns can be assuaged by using sites such as Ning.com. The LOLCats have created their own Ning social network to give you an idea of how this site functions and you can view it here.
Some social network resources for teachers:
An example of a class Twitter where a teacher can post questions and invite students to respond
A unit plan that incorporates Facebook as a way to get students thinking analytically about texts
A permission form to send home to parents outlining ways Ning can be used in a writers' workshop context
"Connect with people from different cultures to learn a language, learn culture." - Twelfth grader's response to the same question
Not all students are sold on the idea of social media use in the classroom. Out of 53 high school students, n feel that there isn't a place for these Web sites in the classroom (about 17 percent). Of these students, some do not use these sites at all. One student said that Facebook "can't be used in school," so I wonder if her opinion could be swayed if school blocks were removed. Twenty two of these students' peers, however, could name ideas for the integration of such sites in schools (about 42 percent). The most common suggestion provided: to communicate with teachers. With creative integration, students seem poised to see these tools as a way to keep in touch with other scholars.
Students can follow their teacher and each other on Twitter and tweet specifically about other on-line media such as blog posts, electronic articles, or thoughts about the class. Twitter helps develop an electronic connection with other students and the instructors, harnessing students’ love of the novel and the virtual.
Using Facebook in the classroom also appeals to students’ already rampant use of this site. Kitsis argues that social networking allows opportunities for students to discuss homework and write for authentic audiences. Students could be assigned the task of writing a “note” on a particular work read in class. Other students in the class could then be “tagged” and invited to comment on the work. Teachers can also give feedback using their own accounts. Security concerns can be assuaged by using sites such as Ning.com. The LOLCats have created their own Ning social network to give you an idea of how this site functions and you can view it here.
Some social network resources for teachers:
An example of a class Twitter where a teacher can post questions and invite students to respond
A unit plan that incorporates Facebook as a way to get students thinking analytically about texts
A permission form to send home to parents outlining ways Ning can be used in a writers' workshop context
