How can you incorporate social media in classrooms? It’s a fact that kids these days are much more tech-savvy than any previous generation. This is possibly because they grew up in a time when technology surrounded them. Since they are toddlers, they learn to operate the Instagram stories as easily as us old-timers breathe.
This begs the question, are our educational institutions reaching these young people the right way? If technology is their strong suit, shouldn’t educators be incorporating it into classrooms? I would say, most certainly.
Here are 5 Ways for Teachers to Incorporate Social Media in Classrooms
Incorporating social media into classrooms seems like an obvious thing to do. What is the most common and popular activity among students? That is right, connecting on social media. Students of all genders and ages seem to be obsessed with or even addicted to social media.
More often than not, this acts as a distraction in class. Students keep sneaking looks at their social media feeds and let their attention waver. However, what if you a teacher, could use social media as an educational tool? Here are six ways you can do just that:
- Setting Responsible Example
- Encourage Blogging
- Connect Students Together
- Guest Lectures
- Educational Vlogs or Podcast
Let us look at these ideas in more detail.
1. Setting a Responsible Example
Have you ever wondered how many of your students actually received instructions to use social media? Most of them are just using it intuitively, exploring it as they go. They tend to emulate the things they see on social media, many of which are not the best examples.
As a teacher, some would argue you have a duty to set a responsible example for your students. Explain the hazards and pitfalls of social media to your students. Also, instruct them on how it can help them build a good reputation and learn new things. Encourage them to be responsible digital citizens by leading through example.
2. Encourage Blogging
There are many advantages to encouraging blogging among your students. Blogging encourages research and develops creative abilities. Explain to your student what a blog is and how to get people to follow it. Encourage them to find niches of interest they are passionate about.
Explain the elements of researching and writing original, plagiarism free blogs. It does not always have to be curricular stuff. Encourage your students to explore their creative abilities. Get them to actively read and comment on each other’s blogs. You can even pick out the best ones to read out in class once or twice a month.
3. Connect Students Together
Encourage communication in your class is something teachers should focus on every day. One interesting way to do this is to make a group on social media for the entire class. However, you need to ensure all students are included.
If some students belong to underprivileged or disciplinarian families, it is better to not make the group. You do not want any of your students to feel excluded. However, if everyone has a device and everyone’s parents agree, then go right ahead.
Post discussion topics in the group regularly, and get your students to vocalize their opinions. You can take hot classroom discussions and put them in the group so everyone can participate.
4. Guest Lectures
Social platforms do not do anything if they do not make the world a smaller place. Bring the expertise, charisma, wisdom, and wit of guest speaker’s right into your classroom. You can have a Skype video call with someone you want your class to learn from. However, you can also do a lot more. You can use motivational YouTube or Facebook videos of popular speakers. Social media offers many new resources your students can use to learn new things. You can even try connecting with other classrooms from across the world!
5. Educational Vlogs or Podcasts
You, as a teacher, can actually host your own educational vlog or podcast series. Get your students to watch or listen in class for educational and informative discussions. They do not necessarily have to be about the curriculum.
Discuss everything from how to get answers to searches like Cox near me, to new movies to class projects. The idea is to get your students to engage with each other, discuss things and learn something new.
If you do not have the time to maintain a YouTube channel or podcast, then look for interesting content on YouTube. Share it regularly with your students and keep the knowledge flowing.
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