Social Media for President

Today's blog highlights the Pros and Cons of Social Media use in the classroom. Each student must pick a stance and I chose Pro. I will reflect on my finding from the article: 
http://bit.ly/nhu-edu531-smpros


The debate has posed viable arguments from both sides, but finding an equilibrium has become challenging. Social media as an educational tool can enrich learning experiences and inspire students and staff to interact in new ways. That is just it, many of the social networking sites gauge success by collaboration and foster participation. Whether schools adopt the programs that are already popular or not, districts need to find ways to engage their students or digital natives in the same way if not more.

 If social media sites are used properly and planned accordingly they can serve as an amazing educational tool. Students can create meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas with other students from other regions of the world, the possibilities are endless. Students will learn how to team build which is a valuable skill to have in the job world. Communication is a big factor when groups work together. Student engagement will increase if students can contribute without feeling obligated to speak in front of their peers. Social media sites also promote learning beyond school hours because teachers can post assignments and ideas as they arise. Tutoring and guidance is possible through the forum and mistakes can be fixed by example in real time. Also student response is easily assessed if each participant has their own account. Learning the ability to navigate through sites and channels will prove to be a valuable job skill. You can use social media to find a job.

I am pro social media because adults and employees use these sites as resources and entertainment. When you turn 18 and graduate the urge to use these sites doesn't vanish into thin air. I beieve that campuses should mirror society and from my experience employees in all fields and industries utilize social media on a daily basis. We should have students and staff collaborate on the integration of technology in schools and eventually the curriculum as well. One thing we can learn from the rapid growth and popularity of social networks is that user feedback can be very valuable!

Happy Thanksgiving (for some)

                                                   Doing it Right!!!

                                                             vs

 

                                                  Doing it Wrong!!!

                        

 Moral: Eat a home cooked, but make sure its got HEART!

 

Concise PodCast Advice

Need some help understanding the podcast concept, check out this video by Animoto it was free, fast, and fun to make. Maybe I should upgrade, but I favor being a resourceful cheapskate instead!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you enjoy.


http://animoto.com/play/pnVkwZOECbgkQWi215MSZw

Before Books and Beyond

The fact my degree is in marketing is ironic because I despise the advertising industry. Entering undergrad my initial philosophy was to not complain, but change the game from the mainframe. Today I still see the same marketing trends mixed with new manipulative strategies designed to entice audiences. I don't know about you, but HATED IT!!!! Comcast knows I get my moneys worth each month recording on my DV-R. I tend to watch the same channels so the commercials become extremely monotonous. Bottom line because of On Demand technology we don't have to rely on traditional media to be educated or entertained.

Before tonight's class I already knew podcasting existed, but the explanation and tutorials tonight have proven to be very valuable. Allocating time properly to expose and educate students at an early age will increase their chances of familiarity and overcoming obstacles. Podcasts are a free, on demand, and are easy to subscribe to a plethora of topics. If you have anything to say about any topic, but no audience to talk to podcasting might be the creative outlet you are in search of. Podcasting gives the narrator a voice, everyone is a potential broadcaster by empowering individual choice. A broadcast can be achieved through common technology components such as a computer, microphone, and internet access. Pod and Screencasting are an amazing approach to individual based learning. Many students including ELL and SPED can learn at their own pace. This technology allows students to receive help without the traditional textbook. Students have another valuable resource that is free and available outside of the classroom.


If you are committed to taking casting to the next level then screen casting is the approach to take. The students I teach should excel and stand out as an outstanding student, but are usually apprehensive due to the pressures of the dominant popular student culture. Many of the students that are highly regarded by their peers often choose to be underachievers. Now I have a mini remedy for this classroom epidemic. I can use Screen Cast technology as a formative assessment by utilizing the attributes of the program. Every student will have the opportunity to submit their answer explanations without any pressure other than the technology itself (which we will practice). I am very confident in my ability to adapt and implement technology into the California curriculum it is just a matter of time and exposure to the unknown.