This week in GRAD602, we discussed the use of networked communication in the classroom. While I have always equated Facebook and Twitter accounts as a means for sharing personal information only, I have never considered their use in disseminating important scientific findings to the masses. So, I decided to fire up Google and search important scientific events that have been broadcasted to the public via social media. This particular article in the NY Times highlights two important scientific events of 2012
(Photo Courtesy of NASA.gov)
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as two examples of scientific events that went viral via Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. So, if NASA can embrace Facebook, why can't science teachers? Because many teachers probably feel that being linked via social media to their students oversteps some boundaries, I think it is important to highlight ways in which social media can enhance learning in a science class. For instance, here are some ways to use a closed Facebook page in a science classroom:
1) Create polls for students to participate in
2) Send out information to the whole class about important deadlines
3) Disseminate articles to the class
4) Creat classroom discussion boards
5) Post practice exam questions
6) Ask for feedback on exams, lectures, and other classroom activities
7) Create a question board and have both the students and the teacher respond to it
8) Add links to scientific blogs
Similarly, Twitter accounts and the use of hashtags can also be used in the classroom. However, Twitter usage might be more restricted to disseminating information and asking/answering questions due to the constraint of the 140 characters. Overall, social media as a means to engage and inspire students is appealing because so many people already use these types of media outlets daily. Therefore, if a student had a burning science question but didn't feel comfortable asking it during class, then there would be social media outlets for the student to take advantage of for clarification. In the end, if social media can reach one student and help them learn more about science, become inspired, and keep them engaged both in and outside of class, then establishing various social media accounts for a classroom is a must-do for future science educators, including myself!
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ReplyDeleteCool article from the NYTimes. I was just listening to a Science Friday podcast from NPR and I think both the Mars Rover and jump were listed as some of the most interesting science achievements of 2012 there as well.
I too was skeptical about the uses of Facebook in the classroom, but my eyes were opened by the idea of a private group page that did not allow any of the members to see each others' personal profiles. That keeps the teacher/student boundary intact and to me opens a whole host of uses, some of which you mentioned in your post. I also like your point that if even one student in a class gains something from the use of social media in the class, then you have to consider that a victory.
Now alot of the uses you mentioned for a closed Facebook page I would say could also be performed via other applications. Do you think Facebook is a better choice simply because most people already have an account and know how to use the software? or is there something more to it that makes it better than other options?
I feel that Facebook is a better choice for a couple of reasons. First, so many people already have Facebook accounts. Even if people don't like to admit it, most people check Facebook daily. Due to people having the accounts and it's daily usage, I feel that it is a good choice for getting students involved. However, this can be accomplished through other means of social media including a class website or blog site. But, I feel that the students would be more likely to look at the class Facebook page since they will already be updating and checking Facebook frequently.
ReplyDeleteI agree that they may be more likely to look at the class Facebook page if they are already on Facebook, plus they already know how to use the software. So I agree that the lack of learning curve required for the students to use it makes it a great choice!
DeleteGood ideas and comments here. I would also suggest that in addition to being a viable transmission media for teacher to student, Facebook closed groups offer an excellent avenue for student generated content and student to student interaction.
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