Change of Heart?

Social Media for Instructional Use
Social Media has been most discussed topic in schools since the boom of handheld devices. Still some teachers are not as apt to utilizing social media in the classroom as it “distracts, rather than aids in learning” (Madge, Meek, Wellens & Hooley2009). Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram are among the top dominating stand of social media networks; however some may argue that these sites are less beneficial for classroom instruction than they are for a simple means to communicate informally. On the contrary, there are other sites that advocate technology literacy,    and push for a better learning environment within the social sphere and inside the classroom. Social media is not limiting as there are so many different mediums available. It’s only a matter of time that in one shape or form, integration of the classroom instruction and social media/online instruction will be mandated.

There are many social media applications to utilize in the classroom which also engages students to participate by using their electronic devices in the classroom, such as Poll Everywhere. Poll Everywhere allows teachers to create either multiple choice questions or open-ended questions. The students reply to the questions by texting their responses to the Poll Everywhere text-messaging number. In an informal case study conducted among high school students who used Poll Everywhere, the majority of the students responded positively to it.

Although there are a few limitations that are faced when using social media (school approval, parent approval) the overall idea of social media in class is something to consider. First, speak with school administration prior to entertaining the idea of connecting social media with your course. Second, speak with parents before asking children to participant and prove a contract between yourself and the parent. Lastly, be aware of the program that you are considering. Read the reviews of the programs and know as much about the good an dthe bad of the program prior to engaging your students with it.My

Those who implemented No Child Left Behind in 2001 are likely the same people pushing for one-to-one technology access in classrooms. Teachers at those schools which have one-to-one access are divided as to the effectiveness and feasibility of such programs. Maybe this is just another financial tactic to improve education. Technology is only as effective as those who use it. Teachers who are well-versed in technology are usually nearer the age of the students. Older teachers who are digital immigrants are inclined to believe that students are better able to use the Internet and technology (see Generational Divide). What teachers need to realize is that students are very believable as tech experts, but possibly they are only good at the technology with which they engage regularly, which is not necessarily academic applications.