Learning via Social Media

In reading “Social Media Can Be Your Ally” by Ncholas Provenzano, and “A Guidebook for Social Media in the Classroom” by Vicki Davis, I could gather many techniques for teaching by using forms of social media. From podcasts to Instagram, the application of social media in the classroom is vast.

In my own specific subject areas of English and Afrikaans, I can definitely put some of these techniques to good use. 

Following the constructivist approach to teaching, I could allow learners to teach each other and construct their own knowledge by allowing them to use the internet as a tool in learning. I could give them a small research-type class assignment, or an assignment in which they must learn the meaning of new concepts, and then allow them to use their tablets/computers/phones to search and expand on their knowledge of the topic. They could then teach each other their newly found knowledge, and learn through teaching. 

As the teacher, I could keep a blog that describes what the learners are learning every week and perhaps highlights and low points, so that parents can know what their children are doing and be more involved in their lives. 

I think that as a class group we could also use Twitter more constructively. Learners could use a specific hashtag(s) to link their discussions and questions, and to make these accessible to all others in their class. When an assignment is due, then, learners could post their questions or thoughts on Twitter. This will allow other learners to answer their classmates’ questions, or have their own uncertainties, that they perhaps share with others, clarified. The teacher can then also view these questions and answers, and gain insight into the learners’ understanding of the assignments and topics given to them. The teacher can obviously also provide guidance and the correct answers on twitter, creating a connection between class and teacher outside of the classroom.

Learners could also be given tasks where they need to tweet a ‘fun fact’ or highlight regarding class, once a day/week, to keep learners involved, reflecting and sharing their knowledge and experiences. This can serve as a way in which they may feel they have ownership of their class and work, and that they make meaningful contributions to it. Feeling like they are an important part of the class will motivate them to make an effort with their work, and may ultimately contribute to their success.