EDTECH 543: Research-Social Networking Case Studies

During this module I was able to research social media use in a social studies classroom.  This time for my curation I used a platform called Pearltress.  Although I like the searching style of Scoop.it, I prefer the look of Pearltrees and how it organizes my topics and articles.

After reading over the various projects and lesson ideas that I curated I found that social media can be used in an effective way to engage learners.  Currently at the school I teach at there is no social media use in the classroom and no "own" devices allowed.  There are iPads and Chromebooks available so there is an opportunity to incorporate social media platforms into the classroom if the school allows.
As educators we can use "real-world" applications to help prepare our students for their future.  Its important to teach them digital citizenship and responsibility for digital footprint.

Facebook
During this course Facebook has been a great platform for sharing projects, ideas, and comments with peers.  At the Ezra Academy they use Facebook to create profiles from Biblical figures that the students have been studying.  This could work in a social studies classroom as a way to create profiles for important historical figure with key information.  It would allow the teacher and students to comment and add to the conversation about that particular figure.

Snapchat
Teachers can use the story and loop feature to cover content and help with mastery.  The photo and video can allow teacher and students to post about what they learned that day or create a historical timeline.  Lastly, it can be used to create discussion to help students study for a test or understand a complex issue.  Students can also create videos about certain historical events or people.  Another way is to use it as a visual vocabulary project - take a term and add a picture.

Twitter
During this course Twitter has been used to share ideas and communicate with others to enhance our PLN.  Educators can use it in a variety of ways.  In a history classroom there can be a game created that you can guess a certain historical figure based on the teacher's clues.  Other ways include:

• Announcements
• Research
• Book Study
• Twitter Chat with Parents
• Debate
• Vocabulary
• Backchannels
• Promote Class Blog

Instagram
This is a fun and creative tool to use in the classroom.  Students can use the tool to take a picture to show that their learning goal is met.  They can add text or a caption about what they are working on in class and this is available to share with peers or parents.  This can also be a great way to discuss social media rules in the classroom and the effects in the outside world.

Skype
This is a great social networking tool to connect students around the United States and the world.  Teachers can setup a "mystery person" so students will have to ask "yes" or "no" questions to determine their location.  There are so many opportunities using Skype to connect students to a global community.  In a history classroom it can be used to connect to specialist in the field, for example a chat with someone from the Smithsonian about a particular exhibit that connects to their learning in Michigan.


Social Media in the Social Studies Classroom, by lhoyt