Despite the fact that social media websites were designed to be a social environment, there are many useful ways to use such websites in the classroom environment. Due to the large demands for the use of technology in education, social media has become a popular classroom tool specifically for collaboration. Social networks provide a wonderful media for study groups and discussions to form (Casey & Evans, 2011). There are only 42 minutes to a class period, which may not be enough for all students to grasp the information. Students can go home, go on to our class Google Community page, and reach out to classmates for help.
Often, teachers and administrators are hesitant to allow the use of social networks because of the varying security features and not being able to constantly monitor action. As Casey & Evans (2011) state, "an element of understanding and trust is required." Our classroom Google Community page has been set to the maximum security settings. Only people within the community (myself, students, administration and confirmed parents) are able to see group members and posts.
Our Google Community page will have a variety of uses. To begin, I will post due dates to keep students on track with classwork, homework and projects. The community will also allow me to post additional resources for students to review. The community is above everything else, a wonderful place for students to collaborate on projects. In addition to the community, students will be able to create Google Circles which I will require students to include me in so I can assist them, as well as monitor activity. Another wonderful tool that is allowed by Google, is their hangout feature. This is a video chat, that I am willing to join with students. If students are involved with a study group, and they are stuck on a problem they can "conference call" me in and I can address their issue while they are in the comfort of their own homes.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to using social networks in education. It is assured that all students will abide by our district's internet policies, or they will be removed from the community. As a teacher, I will do everything to protect the students within our Google Community.
Click the link to check out our Google Community!
Casey, G., & Evans, T. (2011). Designing for Learning: Online Social Networks as a Classroom Environment. International Review Of Research In Open & Distance Learning, 12(7), 1-26.
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