Project 2 : Reflection on Emerging Technologies in Teaching & Learning
Social Media for Teaching and Learning
What is meant by social media?
Social media are interactive computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, career interests and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks.
The variety of stand-alone and built-in social media services currently available introduces challenges of definition; however, there are some common features:
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Social media are interactive internet-based applications.
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User-generated content, such as text posts or comments, digital photos or videos, and data generated through all online interactions, is the lifeblood of social media.
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Users create service-specific profiles for the website or app that are designed and maintained by the social media organization.
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Social media facilitate the development of online social networks by connecting a user's profile with those of other individuals or groups.
The education sector is undergoing a transformation phase when 21st century learning was introduced and implemented. The main objective of this shift was to generate an all-rounder individual with excellent academic achievements and outstanding skill competencies. At the same time, the transformation also aims to emphasize on the intention to maximize the use of technology as a knowledge transmission tool to enhance the quality of education. With the emerging trend of blended learning, online learning is implemented together with normal classroom activity in an attempt to a holistic learning experience to the students.
Therefore, alternative medium that is interesting to the students’ point of view is speculated to students; thus, the need for incorporating social media in teaching and learning. Popularity of social media and its affordances has attracted researcher and educator to experiment this promising tool especially in informal learning environment.
With social media, students can :
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Compare and share notes and resources.
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Debate and discuss.
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Contribute more equally.
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Learn from one another.
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Learn from experts and others in the field.
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Get exposed to new ideas, cultures and languages.
Social Media can make learning FUN!
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Post important announcements and actually get them read.
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Create group projects and post it online.
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Allow students to showcase their unique talents and interests.
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Build a community of learners by encouraging students to share and ask each others.
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Encourage students to connect in more meaningful, convenient and personalized ways.
The great thing about using social media is that you soon learn who the experts are in particular fields and subjects. When we start following these experts we learn more and gain useful content from them, this empowers us to produce great results.
Social media has the ability to broaden our perspective on various subjects and gives illuminating, instant content that is new. We have the opportunity of engaging experts to get answers on topics that might need help in.
Learning colleges have the ability to connect with students through social media networks such as Facebook, Google Plus groups, and YouTube. These channels can be used to communicate campus news, make announcements and provide students with useful information. This builds engagement between the College and students which help tackle many student issues through the group interactions.
Institutions can share supportive and positive posts that reach all students that are connected to the networks and pages. You can initiate hashtags on social media to engage students and online discussions that are helpful. Video is a prominent tool in social media trends that are effective and we can use it to share useful videos that inspire students and help them in their course subjects. Through social mediums such as YouTube, Facebook or Instagram live video the engagements between students and the institution can be sustained. It is advisable to be selective about which social platforms to use for the best practice.
Social media offers audience and subject monitoring tools that are useful and it is one of the best platforms to extract data. We can find out how the majority people feel about a particular topic or how experts perceive and advice on specific issues.
This can help students compile and produce useful content for research. Whether students are working on an assignment, working on a project or trying to gain more insight on a subject, some of the best information and results can be extracted from social media.
Next GENERATION Teaching and Learning
Social media offers audience and subject monitoring tools that are useful and it is one of the best platforms to extract data. We can find out how the majority people feel about a particular topic or how experts perceive and advice on specific issues. This can help students compile and produce useful content for research. Whether students are working on an assignment, working on a project or trying to gain more insight on a subject, some of the best information and results can be extracted from social media.
Web Connectivity is going to be crucial for the smart classrooms we will need in coming times. The whole content and application is web based and technology enabled instruction is what there is going to be. Learning in a four-walled classroom will never be out but the learning won’t be limited to it. It will pounce and come out, reach, extend and spread across where the learner will be. And this will be done with the help of technology. Like out calls were made portable with the change in our phones, similarly education will be made available to wherever you are. Also, one thing that will be prominent is personalized learning that will come along with mobile learning making sure students are being able to learn on their pace without having to bear the loss of not being present in classroom or compromising on their learning goals or other goals that they have set. The next gen classrooms will give ease to teachers in regard to their responsibility various classroom duties which are often time consuming and push a lot of key activities at back. With technology enabled solutions educators are being able to focus on other key things or indulge in other activities with students as to make learning more enriching for them. Learners play an active role in shaping their experiences while owning their educational outcomes. Collaborative opportunities with peers, the wider community, and industry ensure access to the highest quality human resources to support learning. An assessment of current state is required to maximize support for the district or school’s vision and identified learning approach. Intentional redesign that supports schedule development, improved recruitment, retention, and utilization of human capital, and leveraging technologies in innovative ways facilitate personalization throughout the organization.
