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the best kind of broken record

Effectively harnessing online social media provides students with alternate methods of accessing, processing, and producing content. What's more, bridging online social networks to real-world communities further strengthens the contextual learning that is paramount in instruction.

 

To accomplish this, teens need help realizing that social media can be used effectively in other dimensions of their lives. To bridge the gap between social media and the classroom, I think it is crucial that teachers start actively using social media throughout their lessons plans. One social media tool we discussed in our group was Vine. I do not have a lot of experience with Vine and I know that many adolescents enjoy this app so I decided to tackle this application and evaluate its uses in real-world communities, specifically, the classroom.

community, culture, media

This website outlines a number of way Vine can be used as an effective communication tool in the classroom (especially useful for PBL based classrooms discussed here!). One of their methods is to create simple how-to videos. In my opinion, this can be used in two ways: first of all, the teacher can create a series of videos that explain or demonstrate a concept. This provides students with alternate instruction they can access from outside the classroom and consists of shorter videos that are more accessbible to students. For example, I feel this could be used effectively to explain a multi-step math problem. Secondly, Vine could be used by students to demonstrate their understanding of a topic. Having students explain concepts in a few seconds allows them to effectively demonstrate their understanding. Additionally, their videos can then be shared with other students who also may require more instruction. This also allows the students to share the role of intruction, an effective method of peer scaffolding. 

 

Further, assessment using Vine is beneficial as well. Not only does using Vine as assessment promote student engagement and motivation but it also encourages students to create materials that muct be accessible for other. TeacherThought describes Vine as such: "when teachers ask students to create such videos, they are really inviting students to learn, internalize and relay information in a way others can understand. It also serves as an easy means of review days, months or even years down the line. This student-created Vine teaches viewers how to [perform an activity], and is an excellent example of PBL and Vine in action."

 

This YouTube clip outlines many great way Vine can be used in the classrom:

 

  • Students can create short clips summarizing books they have read;

  • A math teacher can record herself working out a problem or a topic so the students can watch it over and over; 

  • Students can record their hypothesis and outcomes in one short clip;

  • The teacher can create and account specifically for the classtoom so all the students will have access to the account and can post to it and view other posts at will.

 

Helping students realize that their favorite social media can also be used as an education tool will help them realize that social media can be effectively harnessed to learn about and connect with every community around the world. The internet is the only place where you will find someone who enjoys the exact same, absurd activity as you.

References

Teach Thought. (2013). 3 Way to Use Vine in the Project-Based Classroom. Teach Thought. Online version.

What is one thing you could do to use online social networks/communities to help teens get involved in real world communities?

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