Blog Entry #8: Social Media and Collaboration

 

Source: http://blog.whooosreading.org/the-pros-and-cons-of-teaching-social-media-in-the-classroom/

Social media in the classroom can be beneficial, but I think in other ways than what we generally think of as social media.  I use a social media app called ClassTag for daily communication needs with my student's families.  The app is set up similar to Facebook where you can share posts on your news feed and families can like and/or comment on a post that you have made.  I am the only one that is able to make posts on our class wall.  I share upcoming events, monthly newsletters, changes in our day, pictures of our class, etc.  I do have parents sign a permission slip at the beginning of the year that allows me to post pictures of their child on this app.  The great thing about this app is that it can only be viewed by those that I have invited to join our class.  At the end of each year I archive that class and create a new one for the following year.  Parents can message me privately, I can set up a conference sign up, and it is free to use!  Overall I really enjoy using this app in my classroom.  Because I have a classroom full of kindergarten students, I do not think using social media with them is appropriate.  I think they are too young to be a part of social media, however they do learn about digital citizenship during our computer lab classes.  I do believe that it is important for them to learn about computer and internet safety, because it is likely something they are exposed to at home.

I love the idea of collaborative productivity tools.  The thing that comes to mind most when thinking about this is the Google Drive.  Google Drive is something that has really made collaboration and sharing much easier to do.  Files can be edited by multiple people at one time and can be accessed by anyone who has permissions, from any device at any location.  In my experiences, it has really made it much easier to collaborate with coworkers.

I have actually used a digital classroom management tool previously in my classroom, as many of you may currently use.  I used the app ClassDojo, which was very easy to use and parents were able to connect and see how their child was doing throughout the day.  There was also a messaging section which was great for communication with parents.  For me, I found myself forgetting to give points or not having a device accessible to me at all times to give or take points.  That, for me, was the biggest downfall and what made me stop using it.  It was more the adjustment on my end, which in turn made me feel as though the scores were not always super accurate for the day or week.  I am very excited to bring in some of the digital tools to my classroom that we have learned about this semester, particularly Book Creator.

I think where we are in our world today, we have to be ready to bring these new literacies into our teaching.  The integration of new technologies is going to allow students to benefit from the exposure at a young age.  Think about how much technology has changed over the last 15 years.  Now think about where we may be with technology in another 15 years, after my current kindergarten students have graduated high school and are entering college or the work force.  It is important to provide them with these new literacies to help them grow in our new technological world.  I am ready to jump in and try, are you?!