This article describes a pilot project in how to "meet students where they are": in social media. The challenge is to motivate technology-driven students while keeping them safe and prevent cyberbullying or identity theft. Educators at Purdue University created a web-based social media tool named Hotseat, that allowed middle school students to go on virtual field trips ("Purdue zip Trips") and post questions to local scientists as well as communicate with each other. Their recommendations to make this project work range from "be savvy" to technical details such as: enlist your local tech support specialist, provide high-speed connection, get students temporary e-mail addresses despite their young age, and set up your classroom/computer lab correctly). They suggest BYOT (bring your own technology) letter to parents, early testing of the system, clear sets of rules for all participants, and teaching good cybercitizenship. They state that most of the students did well keeping up with the new strategies, and that reflecting with them about their experience will help find the best way to implement social media in the classroom.
While all NETS-S standards are somehow addressed by this technology, the most obvious points are No. 2, communication and collaboration (with local scientists and among each other), as well as 5, digital citizenship. The students are given clear guidelines on how to interact in a professional, appropriate and relevant way, and to realize that everybody reads their comments.
I was very impressed how much effort the educators took upon themselves to realize their goal. Schools' firewalls had to be opened to allow necessary technology, ways to create e-mail addresses for young age students had to be created, and bandwidth problems be addressed. However, the teachers managed all challenges, successfully involved parents with BYOT lettters, and succeeded in bringing web-based interactive technology into the classroom. Along the way, internet etiquette was taught, which I consider very important. What a great way to encourage student interaction and learning in a modern and technology oriented, yet cyber-safe way. I would love to be able to create a cyber-field trip one day, e.g. to connect with some researchers from our local biotech industry.
One teacher stated exactly what I feel right now while taking the 422 class: "I realize I am getting older, and you get stuck in your ways and do things that were easy for you." The teacher goes on: " ...it helped me become more knowledgeable about technology...so this was awesome!" I will do my best to feel as successful at the end of the 422 class!
Loizzo, J. & Ertmer, P.A. (2014). 10 Tips for Implementing Social Media in the Classroom. Learning & Leading with Technology, 41 (6), 32-35.
Astrid,
ReplyDeleteThe opportunity for those students to go on a virtual field trip sounds like such a great use of technology! This situation sounds like a great overall incorporation of student, teacher, parent and community involvement to allow students to learn and effectively use technology. Also, the idea of creating a cyber based field trip is interesting to me because of the opportunity it would allow for more students to participate and possibly at a lower cost to the students and school. In one of the articles I reviewed, I mentioned that same idea with the use of Skype as a technological tool to be able to talk to professionals without having to leave the classroom. Both of these instances provide an outlet for students to learn appropriate internet etiquette. My only concern is with the BYOT letters. Many students do have private access to technology, while other students do not for various reasons. In order to create a non-discriminatory environment I believe the school would also have to provide for the students who for whatever reason cannot bring their own technology. Thank you for your insightful commentary on community collaborating to bring technology and new kinds of virtual realities to the classroom!