Social networking for learning

Kathy Cassidy (2016), an educator of junior students, stated she uses social media within her classroom practice because it:

• keeps her students connected
• to their family
• to other students/classes in other parts of the country/world
• relevant to their world (at home)
• enables students to collaborate with other students within the same class and students from other classes

Sharples et al (2016) state effective learning can be enhanced through the use of social learning online. They argue the learning benefits come from sharing ideas and/or perspectives.  New forms of teaching, learning and assessment (in other words 'innovative pedagogy') can 'support creativity, collaboration, communication and the sharing of resources'.  This then, makes it possible to involve and draw on experiences of people around the world.

The NZ Teachers Council states there is no reason teachers cannot use social networking as an effective tool within the classroom to enhance their teaching practice for learners. They also state that as long as there is a valid and clear purpose (Why am I using social networking?) for the use of social networking there are benefits to learning for students. They did mention that while there can be challenges, these can be significantly reduced through the use of safeguarding not only teachers but young learners as well. Teachers were encouraged to think about the following ideas if they have a genuine purpose for using social networking as part of their Teachers Toolkit:

• What are the benefits for me (as an educator)/ my students?
• What ways can I use technology to communicate with young people?
• Plan how going to use technology/ social networking
• Discuss ideas with others before embarking on journey of social networking in the classroom
• Ensure the school community/ family knows why you have decided to use these tools and how you are using these tools in a safe way

Recently I started using 'Seesaw' in my classroom. I have been astonished at how just this one app has made such significant changes to the learning environment within my practice. One student (a maori and a boy) has significantly decreased his number of absences from school, his parents have contributed through the app (prior to the app being added to the classroom, communication was very limited), his learning achievement has made significant positive changes AND he is highly motivated and engaged in his learning journey when using 'Seesaw'. Parents/ guardians have made regular comments on their child's learning as well as regular contact with me (the individual child's 'red communication' book is hardly used by parents).

I recently heard about Google Classroom (excuse ignorance) and discussed with a colleague from another school how she uses it. Wow! I'm sold! It sounds really great, especially for the senior students.  It sounds engaging, relevant, do-able (from a teachers perspective); like Seesaw can be worked on at home (by the student and teacher); encourages 'flipped' learning; encourages collaboration; keeps students connected - at home, and with peers.

I started thinking...how would you use 'twitter' to enhance learning. So I explored @NASA.  Astronauts Jo Acaba, Paolo Nespoli are former educators who are part of a programme called A Year of Education on Station. They are also part of a live Facebook podcast that assists students to learn about space that is 'important and tangible'.  #teacheronboard connects you and students to that learning journey. Students are invited to ask questions on #spacetoground that the astronauts answer. There are photos and video clips as well as interviews. 

An interest in planes was the beginning of Station Manager's Career Inspiration.

 How Does a Fidget Spinner work in Space?

More information for learning can be accessed on nasa.gov/stemonstration. Also I learnt there was a Full orbit of the world being conducted on the 23 October (#1world1orit) that could be followed. People were encouraged to take photos from their perspective (wherever they were in the world) while photos from the space station's perspective were also shared.

With this kind of learning available, challenges are worth tackling in order for student's learning to be enhanced through social networking!

References

Establishing Safeguards New Zealand Teachers Council discusses the importance of establishing a clear purpose of social media use in one’s practice. Source: Education Council.(2012). Establishing safeguards.[video file]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/49216520

Kathy Cassidy shared how she uses social media in a classroom. Retrieved from https://app.themindlab.com/media/32457/view. Source: Tvoparents. (2013, May 21). Using Social Media in the Classroom.[video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riZStaz8Rno

Sharples, M., de Roock , R., Ferguson, R., Gaved, M., Herodotou, C., Koh, E., Kukulska-Hulme, A., Looi,C-K, McAndrew, P., Rienties, B., Weller, M., Wong, L. H. (2016). Innovating Pedagogy 2016: Open University Innovation Report 5. Milton Keynes: The Open University. Retrieved from http://proxima.iet.open.ac.uk/public/innovating_pedagogy_2016.pdf

Twitter images retrieved from https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacheronboard