Effective, Efficient, Enriching;Using Social Media in the Classroom

Sheena Bhim

Aim

To demonstrate that new media technologies can be used safely to facilitate learning and embed good

practice

Trends and patterns

• Proliferation of smartphones and wifi/3G• Social networking has changed the way we

communicate• User generated content comprises more

and more of what our students consume

Consequences

• Attention spans are shorter

• Instant gratification

• Always connected to each other

• Are used to accessing information immediately: Viral trends now spread worldwide and die within a week.

Why am I telling you this?

Students aren’t going to stop using these facilities, even if

we impose sanctions.

So let’s join them.

Benefits

• Resources can be created and distributed quickly and with ease

• All resources can be stored centrally online• Fast- moving subjects or subjects with a

contemporary focus can alert students to important events, articles, etc

• Students are more likely to check Facebook and Twitter on phones than voicemail/email

• TV listings- students can watch/ record relevant programmes on short notice

• Rapport • Encourages a love of learning• Quick feedback- especially good for visual work

and exam technique

Benefits

Potential pitfalls...

• Keeping personal and professional separate• Students may not have smartphones/access

outside college• TMI, CBA: governing students’ communication• Setting boundaries for work-life balance• Keeping up with changes to technology• Creating a safe learning environment online

1. Blogs at Aquinas

• http://aquinasmediaa2011.blogspot.co.uk/

• http://asmediaaquinas.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=f34a99a130750b15

• http://aquinaspoliticsa21112.blogspot.co.uk/

• http://aquinaspoliticsas1112.blogspot.co.uk/

• http://aquinasreligiousstudies2011.blogspot.co.uk/

• http://sophiestocka2media.blogspot.co.uk/

• http://mattbeckwithmedia.blogspot.co.uk/

How @aquinasmedia helped Media students this year

• Sony’s• Coursework feedback• Direct messaging enables students to have open

dialogue without others being able to see• Restricted communication focuses user• Collective ID- could alert students to current events

e.g. Beyonce’s tumblr, Barack Obama’s campaign, Trayvon Martin, user generated content

• Helps students synthesise complex theory- grades improve.

Evidence of students engaging with subject

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XrlC_sdTJZw

Contact with ex- students

Arranging 1-1 support

Professional Rapport