Social media is
changing the way students learn, communicate, and behave. Teachers need to change also! Through professional development and a
continuous desire to learn, teachers can be taught alongside their students. Schools are incorporating the use of iPads,
cell phones, and e-readers in the quest to keep students engaged in the
learning process.
It is very important
that students learn how to safely use these devices. It is the job of parents and teachers to work
together to guide students while surfing the net. Appropriate language, etiquette, and safe
practices must be part of the tech curriculum.
Blogging can be
advantageous to the learning environment. Teachers can use blogging as a communication tool for parents and
students. With daily posts, parents would be able to experience the school day along with their children. Pictures and video can be uploaded to highlight a new activity.
Blogs are easily created and
maintained. When students use blogs as
part of the learning process, the classroom grows into a global classroom. They are now able to communicate with other
students from around the world about any topic.
Writing skills, communication skills, and the opportunities to see the world
beyond your school walls has enabled students to think outside the box.
I agree that social media is impacting the way students today learn, behave, and socialize/communicate. I also agree that teachers need to change in order to adapt to this new techie world. I was wondering though, what are your thoughts of how early children should be exposed to all this technology. You teach the younger ones, as I do myself, and while technology is great I feel that students at the primary levels should be more focused on playing and socializing. What are your thoughts? Are you torn as well?
ReplyDeleteI think of the saying: 'all things in moderation.'It is hard for me to fathom blogging for kinders but exposing them (in small doses in the classroom) to technology might be the way to go.Most of my students are exposed to iPods,iPhones,iPads, and lap tops at home. I think our jobs, as teachers of young children, is to show them the alternatives of using technology.Technology that encourages collaborating,researching,and learning about other cultures unlike our own. With that said, I do agree with you and am definitely torn. Children at such a young age need to play and learn about each other on a personal level not only through a screen. Trying to find the balance is the key.
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