Getting Started with Social Media in the Classroom

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting communities and communicating to others. EdTechTeacher Shawn McCusker presents a wealth of ideas for harnessing that power in the classroom.

One of the most important reasons that students come to school is to learn how to communicate effectively. Today one of the most powerful forms of communication is social media.

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      string(3358) "or providing more evidence of your assertion. Dialogue should not be limited to discussion boards, particularly as asynchronous (not live) video technologies are now primed for classroom use. The best tool out there right now for this is called FlipGrid. With this tool, you can create video forums in a controlled environment for students to engage in discussion and debate. It also helps students develop video discussion skills, essential for students, yet barely taught in most schools. Much of the discourse we engage in today is through social media. But instead of viewing this negatively, think of how these tools can help foster engagement around ideas that people care about and mobilise them towards action. How can we prepare students to engage in this type of discussion if they never experience it an academic setting? We should be building the competencies needed to engage in these mediums as they are becoming an essential element of modern civic literacy.  Tools for Online DiscussionLearning Management Systems (Ex. Blackboard,Canvas, Moodle) – All major learning management systems include some type of discussion forum module that can be used for online questions and ongoing dialogue. Google Classroom – This platform is available for all schools with G Suite for Education and has multiple ways to conduct online discussion through its’ Stream and Assignment features. Microsoft Teams – For schools with Microsoft, Teams serves as a hub for teachers and students to ask questions and engage in discussion within a safe and productive learning environment. FlipGrid – This powerful learning tool is designed specifically for students to engage in threaded, asynchronous video discussions. Closing ThoughtsThe study of history has always been about using resources to construct a narrative. That skill just so happens to be a very important part of being a good citizen in our world today. Modern history teachers need to examine how they are using sources, how their students are expressing their learning, and how they are teaching the art of civil discourse. Fortunately for history teachers today, there is an abundance of tools to support these goals and to help us modernise history instruction. Shawn McCusker is a teacher of history, social studies and government. He has worked with the Center for Teaching History with Technology and EdTechTeacher for the past 8 years. His podcast ‘So We’ve Been Thinking’ can be found at www.sowevebeenthinking.com and other teaching tips can be found on his website and blog atgowhereyougrow.wordpress.com. Tom Driscoll is a former teacher of history and has a masters degree in Computing in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.  He is an EdTechTeacher Instructor and the Digital Learning Director for the Bristol Warren Regional School District in Rhode Island. Tom has published several articles on innovations in education and consults with schools and organisations to help transform teaching and learning with technology. You can find teaching resources and a blog on his website www.tomdriscoll3.com and can follow him on Twitter @Mr_Driscoll. "
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Digital Learning

Constructing Narratives in the History Classroom

6 Nov 2018

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      string(3935) "Around the Corner by Miguel Guhlin www.mguhlin.orgBlogger Michael Guhlin is also the director of the Texas Computer Education Association and his stated goal is to ‘use powerful technologies to transform practice and enable learners to communicate and collaborate with each other.’ His blog has a wealth of resources, including lesson plans, Google tools, favourite apps and an article round up feature. Recent posts include features on data breaches, using Google Photos for sharing images from school events, Chromebook extensions for early learners and tips for CTOs at the start of school. Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne www.freetech4teachers.comRichard Byrne’s award-winning blog aims to share information about free resources available to teachers. He posts thoughtful and practical articles on topics such as ‘What to do when your Classroom Technology Fails’ and provides tips and introductions to various technologies, including Voicepods, specific themed classroom resources and updates on the latest publications of interest. He offers various free resource guides that are searchable by topic, as well as Google Tutorials, video creation tools and a section on ‘Alternatives to YouTube’.Richard Byrne’s award-winning blog aims to share information about free resources available to teachers. He posts thoughtful and practical articles on topics such as ‘What to do when your Classroom Technology Fails’ and provides tips and introductions to various technologies, including Voicepods, specific themed classroom resources and updates on the latest publications of interest. He offers various free resource guides that are searchable by topic, as well as Google Tutorials, video creation tools and a section on ‘Alternatives to YouTube’.Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell shakeuplearning.comShake Up Learning blog is the accompaniment to Kasey Bell’s acclaimed book of the same name that offers teachers strategies for using tech in the classroom. Her blog focuses on how to use Google Classroom tools, including Google Earth, Google Slides and various features on the latest releases. She also curates lists of classroom resources, podcasts, books and social media groups. In addition, her website also offers various teaching resources, a podcast and Google Classroom courses and certifications.Teachers with Apps www.teacherswithapps.comThis site offers a range of app reviews to allow educators and parents to discover exceptional tools in the digital space. The posts are fully searchable and are browsable by age and subject category, as well as by special needs and productivity. It offers reviews of specific apps, such as Edmodo, Haiku Deck, Stan Lee’s Kids Universe, etc. and it offers curated content about apps – i.e. ‘The 27 Best Free Stock Photo Sites in 2018’ – or more knowledge-based informative posts, such as the ‘Beginners Guide for Teachers to Teach the Art of Blogging’ and ‘Thomas the Train to the Rescue – Diversity, Gender Equality and More’.The Daring Librarian by Gwyneth A. Jones  www.thedaringlibrarian.comGwyneth Jones is a middle school ‘Future Ready Teacher Librarian’ and ed tech leader who has won many blogging awards for her innovative and passionate approach to using tech tools in education. Her blog posts make great suggestions for tech tools (Bitmoji, text generators) to animate and improve classroom materials, as well as reading lists, free themed resources (10 Coloring Pages for Women’s History Month) and general thoughts on teaching. Her enthusiasm is infectious and the bright colours on the website are appealing. Her blog is more informal and personal than some of the others listed here, but it is clear that her approach is fun and accessible.    "
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Communication and Digital Learning

Digital Learning 1.1 - Blogs Of Note

6 Nov 2018

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      string(5658) "34Vol 3.6School Leadership Todaywww.teachingtimes.comLeadingLearningGlobal educationDiogenes Laertius, Greek philosopher (AD 220) once said: “I am a citizen ofthe world”, as he looked at his life in a wider context. The concept of globalcitizenship is not a new one, but in our present time we have the ability forthis to become a reality. Christopher Columbus and co. would be glad tohear that the journey for information to travel across the world today no longer needtake weeks, days or even minutes as technology has made the world seem increasinglysmaller. This globalization has caused increased focus on interdependence,interconnectedness and cultural diversity meaning that today more than ever, theworld is a part of our everyday local lives.Young people are aware of global events, and understand that issues and eventsacross the globe affect them too. Globalization is one of the most significant changesGlobalisingeducationCan effective global education be conveyed from within theclassroom walls? Cliff Manning discusses how we cantranscend geographical barriers to nurture a generation ofglobal citizens.35Vol 3.6School Leadership Todaywww.teachingtimes.comLeadingLearningGlobal educationtaking place in societies around theworld today, and it is vital that the futuregenerations are educated to become globallyconscientious learners; to acknowledge andunderstand the enormous variety of culturesand information that exists on earth.The global citizenBeing a ‘global citizen’ incorporates aframework of values including understanding,concern and respect for others and the naturalworld. Today’s youth will face decisions on awide range of issues for which people havediffering, contradictory views worldwide. Todevelop as global citizens all young peopleshould have the opportunity to engagewith these issues, starting in the educativeprocess. Encouraging young people toexplore potentially debatable and emotive issues can encourage them to develop theirthinking skills, contributing positively to their information processing, reasoning, enquiry,evaluation and creative thinking development.It is not just educators who recognise the need for young people to learn moreabout the world around them though; they themselves express an ongoing desire tolearn about global issues.The Department for International Development (DfID) conducted a poll of youngpeople aged 11 to 16 on the subject a few years ago. The report showed that ofthose people polled, 79 per cent wanted to know more about what is happening indeveloping countries, with 54 per cent believing that they should learn about theseissues in school.According to the same report, the majority of young people currently receive thisinformation through electronic methods of communication; resources such as theInternet or television that they have become familiar with in the home environment.There is little doubt that technology can have a vital impact on this learning process.The role of schoolsThe curriculum and schools have animportant role to play in helping pupilsmake sense of the complexity of the worldand their place in it. If we want to create aworld of global citizens, then education isa priority. Most schools might teach someform of citizenship, or include it as part ofPSHE. However, this does not have to bean additional subject; it is an ethos that caninvolve all those in the educative process– it can be promoted in class through theexisting curriculum. It covers such a widerange of topics, it can be incorporatedacross the curriculum; learning about otherbeliefs in RE, the environment in geographyand biology, and other cultures andsocieties in history and languages.Educators should take theseopportunities to encourage children andyoung people to explore, develop andexpress their own values and opinions,whilst listening to and respecting other people’s points of view. This will in turnencourage a wider appreciation amongst young people of the world around them.Cherry Duggan, Head of Schools and Communities, WWF said: “Young peoplewill shape the future of our world. They also have a huge influence, here and now.Working with teachers means together we can encourage and support young peoplein building the knowledge, skills and values to safeguard our world.”Educators should take theseopportunities to encouragechildren and young people toexplore, develop and expresstheir own values and opinions,whilst listening to and respectingother people’s points of view.“”36Vol 3.6School Leadership Todaywww.teachingtimes.comLeadingLearningGlobal education Teaching through technologyA feasible way of accessing these valuable learning experiences is through technology.The growth of the Internet has provided a valuable source of information and internationalcommunication with free teaching resources, VoIP and endless reference sites.Social media has the ability to take this one step further as a hub for learning,sharing thoughts, and to collaborate on or voice their support for a cause or campaign,putting them in the position to be able to affect change.The possibilities go beyond entertainment to educate, inform and connect peopleregardless of their background, culture or religion. This is where technology can havea large part to play, helping bring the world into the classroom in an easily accessibleand understandable format. It breaks down the traditional walls, and opens channels ofcommunication, allowing them to collaborate and broadcast videos, podcasts and blogs.As a safe social network, at Radiowaves weare lucky to work with a number of"
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Leadership

Globalising education

15 Mar 2012

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      string(5666) "This month’s FeaturesAs a globalised society, there is no doubt thateducation should be approaching the issues thataffect all of us, directly or indirectly, and makingthem accessible and understandable. Manycharities working on an international scale canoffer experienced and knowledgeable lessonsand are keen to share these with children. Buthow can educators bring these inside the fourclassroom walls on a day-to-day level?Here, Cliff Manning discusses the importanceof educating children to be global citizensthrough innovative technology.and co. would be gladto hear that the journeyfor information to travelacross the world today nolonger need take weeks,days or even minutes astechnology has made theworld seem increasinglysmaller. This globalizationhas caused increasedDiogenes Laertius, Greekphilosopher (AD 220) oncesaid: ‘I am a citizen of theworld’, as he looked at hislife in a wider context. Theconcept of global citizenshipis not a new one, but in ourpresent time we have theability for this to become areality. Christopher ColumbusOur planet: 195countries, but areyou a global citizen?http://www.teachingtimes.comThis month’s Featuresfocus on interdependence,interconnectedness andcultural diversity meaningthat today more than ever,the world is a part of oureveryday local lives.Young people are aware of globalevents, and understand that issuesand events across the globe affectthem too. Globalization is one ofthe most significant changes takingplace in societies around the worldtoday, and it is vital that the futuregenerations are educated to becomeglobally conscientious learners; toacknowledge and understand theenormous variety of cultures andinformation that exists on earth.The global citizenBeing a ‘global citizen’ incorporatesa framework of values includingunderstanding, concern and respectfor others and the natural world.Today’s youth will face decisionson a wide range of issues for whichpeople have differing, contradictoryviews worldwide. To develop asglobal citizens all young peopleshould have the opportunity toengage with these issues, starting inthe educative process. Encouragingyoung people to explore potentiallydebatable and emotive issues canencourage them to develop theirthinking skills, contributing positivelyto their information processing,reasoning, enquiry, evaluation andcreative thinking development.It is not just educators whorecognise the need for young peopleto learn more about the worldaround them though; they themselvesexpress an ongoing desire to learnabout global issues.The Department for InternationalDevelopment (DfID) conducted apoll of young people aged 11 to 16on the subject a few years ago. Thereport showed that of those peoplepolled, 79 per cent wanted to knowmore about what is happening indeveloping countries, with 54 percent believing that they should learnabout these issues in school.According to the same report,the majority of young peoplecurrently receive this informationthrough electronic methods ofcommunication; resources such asthe Internet or television that theyhave become familiar with in thehome environment. There is littledoubt that technology can havea vital impact on this learningprocess.The role of schoolsThe curriculum and schools havean important role to play in helpingpupils make sense of the complexityof the world and their place in it. Ifwe want to create a world of globalcitizens, then education is a priority.Most schools might teach some formof citizenship, or include it as partof PSHE. However, this does not http://www.teachingtimes.comThis month’s Featureshave to be an additional subject; itis an ethos that can involve all thosein the educative process – it canbe promoted in class through theexisting curriculum. It covers sucha wide range of topics, it can beincorporated across the curriculum;learning about other beliefs in RE,the environment in geography andbiology, and other cultures andsocieties in history and languages.Educators should take theseopportunities to encourage childrenand young people to explore,develop and express their ownvalues and opinions, whilst listeningto and respecting other people’spoints of view. This will in turnencourage a wider appreciationamongst young people of the worldaround them.Cherry Duggan, Head ofSchools and Communities, WWFsaid: “Young people will shapethe future of our world. They alsohave a huge influence, here andnow. Working with teachers meanstogether we can encourage andsupport young people in buildingthe knowledge, skills and values tosafeguard our world.”Teaching throughtechnologyA feasible way of accessing thesevaluable learning experiences isthrough technology. The growthof the Internet has provided avaluable source of information andinternational communication withfree teaching resources, VoIP andendless reference sites.Social media has the ability totake this one step further as a hubfor learning, sharing thoughts, andto collaborate on orvoice their support fora cause or campaign,putting them in theposition to be able toaffect change.The possibilities gobeyond entertainmentto educate, informand connect peopleregardless of theirbackground, cultureor religion. This iswhere technologycan have a largepart to play, helpingbring the world intothe classroom in aneasily accessibleand understandableformat. It breaks downthe traditional walls, and openschannels of communication, allowingthem to collaborate and broadcastvideos, podcasts and blogs.As a safe social network, atRadiowaves we are lucky to workwith a number of internationalcharities and not for profitorganisations"
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Digital Learning

Our planet: 195 countries, but are you a global citizen?

23 Dec 2011

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