Overview
We were motivated to create this presentation based on the experiences we have had in the classroom, both a students and teachers. Today's learners "have grown up surrounded by the digital world, and as a result have developed new ways of understanding, learning, and processing new information" (Baird & Fisher, 2005). Ideally, every classroom would have unlimited resources at it's disposal to create an engaging and interactive lesson using technology, but we know that this is not the case. We believe it is still possible to use modern technology, such as social media, in the classroom without worrying about computers, iPads, or the Internet and the respective privacy issues (great for younger students). Social media is something nearly every middle and high school student can relate to, and combined with Social Studies, the possibilities for lessons are endless. Social media is all about connecting, sharing, and collaborating, skills that will be needed beyond the classroom. Additionally, these platforms can work as a starting point for having conversations about social media literacy and being a good citizen in life as well as online.
We also have created these profiles to match the C3 framework. Every profile has elements of the four domains. Specifically, the we wanted to use these profiles as a tool to engage students and begin to think critically. Further, we want students to begin to use a critical lens as they are progressing through the material We also realize that no two classes or teachers are alike and for that reason we have created blank templates that can be adapted for you needs. In fact we encourage you to share and edit these profile to fit you teaching style. Also, due to its adaptability these worksheets are an easy way for teachers to differentiate material for individual students or groups with minimal prep time. The worksheets include options to write, summarize and draw to help guide their learning.
Due to the versatile nature, these social media profiles work well both individually or in group work settings. They can be used as formative or submative assessment, texting students content retention, or ability to apply their learning to real life situation. Because students are familiar with most (if not all) of these social media sites, it helps to group their knowledge and show them how you can apply what you are learning to real life applications because students are able to relate to this activity. It also helps start the discussion on what is appropriate to share online and what being a good digital citizen means.
We do realize that no platform is without its challenges. Therefore, we encourage you to think about the fact that students may not be familiar with these profiles. Therefore you may have to supplement your teaching to help students who are unfamiliar or do not use social media understand how the websites work. Further, depending on how the profiles are you, you may only be testing superficial knowledge like dates and places. Having students research the material and summarize before writing in the profile or even having them write an explanation for their choices helps to make the profile pages more concrete. They can also be a great formative assessment, gauging students knowledge before continuing on. The review pages force students to evaluate information before writing, which make them more representative of student learning but they will take more time and students need a larger content base. Finally, many of these profiles require pictures or a level of formative, which depending on aiavile supplies may still be a challenge. (Can student draw the pictures, print out and glue the pictures, or edit theirs right on the computer.
The site is broken down by profile pages (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, iMessage, Twitter, and Vine) and Review/Critical Thinking (Pinterest, Wikipedia, Wordpress Blog, and Yelp). We have provided PDFs as well as an editable format (Microsoft PowerPoint), so feel free to use our examples or tailor them to fit your unit, grade level, and subject. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. See the "About Us" tab for our contact information and we will be sure to respond.
We also have created these profiles to match the C3 framework. Every profile has elements of the four domains. Specifically, the we wanted to use these profiles as a tool to engage students and begin to think critically. Further, we want students to begin to use a critical lens as they are progressing through the material We also realize that no two classes or teachers are alike and for that reason we have created blank templates that can be adapted for you needs. In fact we encourage you to share and edit these profile to fit you teaching style. Also, due to its adaptability these worksheets are an easy way for teachers to differentiate material for individual students or groups with minimal prep time. The worksheets include options to write, summarize and draw to help guide their learning.
Due to the versatile nature, these social media profiles work well both individually or in group work settings. They can be used as formative or submative assessment, texting students content retention, or ability to apply their learning to real life situation. Because students are familiar with most (if not all) of these social media sites, it helps to group their knowledge and show them how you can apply what you are learning to real life applications because students are able to relate to this activity. It also helps start the discussion on what is appropriate to share online and what being a good digital citizen means.
We do realize that no platform is without its challenges. Therefore, we encourage you to think about the fact that students may not be familiar with these profiles. Therefore you may have to supplement your teaching to help students who are unfamiliar or do not use social media understand how the websites work. Further, depending on how the profiles are you, you may only be testing superficial knowledge like dates and places. Having students research the material and summarize before writing in the profile or even having them write an explanation for their choices helps to make the profile pages more concrete. They can also be a great formative assessment, gauging students knowledge before continuing on. The review pages force students to evaluate information before writing, which make them more representative of student learning but they will take more time and students need a larger content base. Finally, many of these profiles require pictures or a level of formative, which depending on aiavile supplies may still be a challenge. (Can student draw the pictures, print out and glue the pictures, or edit theirs right on the computer.
The site is broken down by profile pages (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, iMessage, Twitter, and Vine) and Review/Critical Thinking (Pinterest, Wikipedia, Wordpress Blog, and Yelp). We have provided PDFs as well as an editable format (Microsoft PowerPoint), so feel free to use our examples or tailor them to fit your unit, grade level, and subject. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. See the "About Us" tab for our contact information and we will be sure to respond.