Think about how the Internet has impacted your own personal learning, communication, and sense of community. Write a new post that includes a screenshot showing your participation in a social or ...
Monday's Writing Prompt:
"The essence of social media is knowing your audiences and engaging them in something they love."
Since I have been an avid twitter user for nearly 3 years, I completely agree and believe in this statement. For those of you new to the "social media" party, you may not see the importance of these words. The thing I like best about social media is that it is very personal. As an educator, I can choose who I want to follow and learn from (way too many to list here). I also choose which hastags (#sbgchat, #ptchat, #geniushour, #sbar, #mathyladies, and many more) to follow and learn from. I have completely personalized interactions and professional development built into one account: @teachteKBeck.
Twitter has been my gateway into blogging. I write about education with an emphasis on standards-based grading, homework, and geniushour. I have a particular audience in mind and I make sure I tailor my writing and interactions accordingly.
I know it is hard for some educators to understand the power of twitter or other social media outlets as an educational tool for teachers and/or students. I admit I resisted for a long time, however, once I found my way there is nothing that could make me give it up. I am still teaching because of the support and free professional development I receive everyday. I also feel closer to educators I have never met in person than some of the educators I teach down the hall from.
I know you have heard this before, but GET ON TWITTER if you want to grow as and learn as a professional.
There are times when Twitter can be a distraction, however, it usually compliments what I am doing for the classes I am teaching and/or the classes that I am taking. If I think about my students and the effect social media has on their learning I believe that it is not a distraction. The students we have in our classes are very adept at using technology as a learning tool in both good and evil ways. If they are not monitored there are many ways for students to "cheat". However, if teachers are asking the students to participate in authentic learning experiences using technology then the issue of cheating ceases to exist. I believe that we have to teach students to use technology appropriately to learn, socialize, collaborate, create, etc...
To support my students in a blended learning environment I will work to build a sense of community. Then, I will teach then how to be responsible with what and how they post ANYTHING. I want to encourage and teach responsibility. In middle school I get to deal with what is called the "adolescent brain" which has impulsive tendencies among other issues. My students need to understand the consequences of their actions while participating in various social media outlets. It is my goal to teach them how to use these tools for good instead of evil.
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