Chapter 6: The Social Web
Twitter….I did sign up for an account, but haven’t used it yet…or as my 14 year old put it “Why do you have a twitter account?...you don’t need it…and how embarrassing….you don’t have any followers. ..” Sad but true. I have only just begun using blogs, etc… The author also suggests using Edmodo as a tool with my students. I actually had a student request that I sign up as she began using this in her science class and loves it. I signed up Friday but have not begun using it yet. I am also thinking that once I start using Twitter I can attach words to my personal accounts that I am interested (i.e.) in such as freedom of speech, reading strategies, novels my classes are reading, etc…Knowing the keywords to tag in subjects you are interested in is key. You can do this by looking at what keywords others that are tweeting about similar subjects are using. The author suggests using Diigo as a tool to add to our browser. It’s a way to annotate and highlight the web pages you find interesting and to share it with others. Delicious was another site mentioned by the author. Until I begin playing with these tools I can’t really comment on how effective it will be for me or my students in my classroom.
Sue,
ReplyDeleteDespite what your daughter says, I think it's good that you are trying out these different social media outlets. Even the smallest exposure, keeps you somewhat in the loop of what she might be experiencing amongst her friends.
I have a Facebook page, and while I don't post much, I do enjoy having a place to view the pictures of my family my wife puts out there, and I also enjoy seeing what other people post. To be honest, most of the stuff people post is useless, but people want attention and this gives them an outlet to share.
It's funny, but just yesterday, I heard someone relay a message that her kid said which basically made the point that Facebook is outdated. Now people mainly use Instagram or Twitter. What I've learned is that I'll never be able to keep up with it all. At the same time, if we ignore these mediums by which people share, we miss out on our kids. Young adults may not open up face to face, but they certainly appear more comfortable sharing with everyone...as long as it's behind the safety of their computer. Insightful information comes from these sites, although we may end up seeing things we wish we hadn't seen.
Hi Susan:
ReplyDeleteAt the HS almost all of us use Edmodo. I was reluctant to get on board because I'm so computer illiterate. However, a student walked me through it, and it's actually pretty easy on a basic level. I'm still learning the more advanced parts of it, but it's a great way to organize the students, share projects, keep everyone posted on assignments, keep parents informed, give quizzes and open discussions (either one-on-one with a student or the entire class.) Even given my limited knowledge of Edmodo, I highly recommend it.
Linda