Implementing social media in the classroom can seem like a daunting task. Some teachers do not know how to use it, and some might be concerned that their students will encounter problems using it, as well.
Step 1: The teacher should become acquainted with the sites and how they function. Both Facebook and Twitter have step by step tutorials included when a new user signs up. Teachers can use this tutorial to learn how to operate the sites and utilize their many functions.
Step 2: The teacher should ensure that students become familiar with the technology. Many students will already have a personal Facebook or Twitter account and will know how to navigate the sites. For the students who have never used social media before, specific instructions should be given in the classroom curriculum so that the media can enhance each student’s learning experience instead of detract from it. Teachers should also include a specific set of instructions and procedures for how the site will be used in the class. Even students who are frequent users of Facebook and Twitter will need to know how to specifically use the sites for their class. This information should be included in the syllabus or some other document distributed at the beginning of the course.
Step 3: The teacher should be sure to keep track of student’s progress on the sites and to address any concerns they might have. Teachers should make their expectations and standards clear and then keep record of any students who are not adhering to the guidelines. When used appropriately and under the guidance of an attentive instructor, students’ participation and engagement in the class should increase.
Step 1: The teacher should become acquainted with the sites and how they function. Both Facebook and Twitter have step by step tutorials included when a new user signs up. Teachers can use this tutorial to learn how to operate the sites and utilize their many functions.
Step 2: The teacher should ensure that students become familiar with the technology. Many students will already have a personal Facebook or Twitter account and will know how to navigate the sites. For the students who have never used social media before, specific instructions should be given in the classroom curriculum so that the media can enhance each student’s learning experience instead of detract from it. Teachers should also include a specific set of instructions and procedures for how the site will be used in the class. Even students who are frequent users of Facebook and Twitter will need to know how to specifically use the sites for their class. This information should be included in the syllabus or some other document distributed at the beginning of the course.
Step 3: The teacher should be sure to keep track of student’s progress on the sites and to address any concerns they might have. Teachers should make their expectations and standards clear and then keep record of any students who are not adhering to the guidelines. When used appropriately and under the guidance of an attentive instructor, students’ participation and engagement in the class should increase.