For young people blogging represents a new way to not only write, but to create as well. With all the great information and media available on the web today, a blog is the perfect way for young people, to research, vet, and create a living project instead of just a 3 page book report or social studies report.
In today’s digital world, most young people have no fear of technology, the internet, browsers, or web sites. In fact, many times it is the adult that is challenged when learning new technology. In this regard, it is difficult for me to prescribe that a parent or teacher always learn the technology tool first and then teach it to the child.
Yesterday The Portland Project was covered in an article by Mashable entitled, The Case for Social Media in Schools. The conversation that is ensuing because of that article is really quite amazing.
Here’s another great lesson plan utilizing social media. The focus here is student engagement using math skills to create a numerical representation of their lives. Objective: Students will share important numbers in their lives using social media. Materials: Computers (or cell phones) with Internet access Procedure: Explain to students that they will be using social [...]
Are you keeping up with the times? Recent advancements in technology and social media have changed the way we read and write. On a daily basis the internet challenges us to interact and engage in new communication styles. Reading and writing are natural outcomes of today’s online world.
Geometry: Photo Message Scavenger Hunt Objective: Students will identify and share geometric shapes using social media. Materials: Internet access, digital cameras or cell phones Procedure: Review with students basic geometric shapes including various quadrilaterals, triangles, regular and irregular polygons, etc. Review with students (if needed) how to take pictures with digital cameras and cell phones. [...]
Until I began experimenting with Social Media implementation, I never realized how little differentiating I was actually doing, or just how difficult I was making my job. Utilizing technology and media tools have become my secret formula for differentiated instruction. I can easily assign a project that is appropriate, interesting and challenging for all my students using Social Media.
A great example of an educator learning from her students about Web 2.0.
Social networking is a shift in the way people communicate. Blocking social networking sites at work or at school is short-sighted. Does the risk of social networking sites outweigh the risk? Not if you plan to stay competitive and relevant.
Check out the “Resources” tab for information about wonderful books addressing Social Media In Education. Brand new release is listed ~ copies will be available May 1, 2010.