- Firstly, in this ever-evolving technological world, teaching our students how to properly and appropriately use social media is SO important!
During this semester, I created an easy-to-follow poster for students who can read to understand the “Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media”. Read it yourself, share with parents, friends, or your own students! In an educational realm where technology is prominently used, we want to ensure our students know how to be good digital citizens and appropriately use the internet and social media.
Click HERE to access my informative poster for students that outlines DO’s and DON’TS of SOCIAL MEDIA!
2. Secondly, knowing how to use multiple modes of media will be an extremely useful skill for students in this generation and in upcoming generations. Technology is always advancing, and having the ability to utilize its multiple facets to get ideas across is a great asset to have. One extremely useful digital media tool, iMovie, is a great way to make projects and convey ideas through video. In my future classroom I plan on teaching my students how to master multiple forms of media, videos being one of them. This is one of the reasons we were required to become familiar with iMovie over the course of this semester, and I made a test video- a “commercial” for PIPER EDU- to put my knowledge into practice. My video includes video clips, transitions, background music, subtitles to increase accessibility for my audience, and text. Check it out if you’re interested!
3. Thirdly, the ability to transcend multiple forms of media, also known as transmedia storytelling, is a great way to engage students and other audiences to tell a story or lesson plan. Transmedia storytelling is, according to wikipedia, “the technique of telling a single story or story experience across multiple platforms and formats using current digital technologies”. In ECI 201, we were required to create a transmedia story project, and my group chose to tell the story, “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff. Check out our transmedia story, and use it/a similar one in your classroom!
4. In my “Useful Resources” page, I linked a website called “Tweet Deck” which is super helpful with joining and participating in twitter chats. Twitter chats are a way to connect with a variety of educators from around the world with different perspectives, and to talk about all different facets of education. I participated in my first twitter chat this year, and when asked to write about it, this is what I said:
“I had intended on participating in #edchat, but I ended up joining #edumatch! I really liked this chat; it was open to educators at all levels, future educators, new educators, or experienced educators, and there was a good mix of each that participated which I really enjoyed. The moderators asked participants a lot of questions about their experiences/observations with administration in the classroom and the effect that leaders can have on the success of their teachers, and it was super interesting to read about the different experiences that teachers at different levels had with leaders. Almost everyone had agreed that administration that encourages open communication and frequent face to face contact is the most helpful. When asked about our opinions on whether or not change is good or bad, there were different stances, yet everyone agreed that change in education is inevitable, so working with your colleagues to make the best out of change is super important. I really liked engaging with and hearing the opinions of other educators, and I would definitely participate in another chat for the opportunity to learn from more perspectives.”
I know twitter chats can be nerve wracking, but hopefully reading about my experience will help you feel more comfortable! Maybe you can even join the same chat: #edumatch!
These were a few of my favorite projects from this semester, and I hope you can consider/use them with your kids/students!