{Dear Parents} WHY ARE WE USING SOCIAL MEDIA {in our classroom}

Social Media is so much more than a toy.

It is an invaluable tool for the classroom. One that we will be using throughout the course of this class. One that will put a positive and educational light on what you may have previously looked at as only a social connecting tool or time waster. 

Chan and Leung from Universal Journal of Education said, "These Internet-based applications facilitate human communication, interaction, and collaboration by allowing exchange and creation of user-generated content"  (771). So much more than just a toy.

Chan and Leung go on to explain that there are two main reasons to use Social Media in the classroom. #1- It creates a new learning environment that allows teachers and students to learn from one another. #2- Social media promotes blended learning and allows for a student-centered learning environment. (Chan & Leung, 2016).

The hope is that adding social media to our classroom agenda will help reach all students and all types of learners. As well as demonstrate to students all the more they can use their current social media.

Learning can be fun! Fun and when using social media "...student participation is greatly increased..." (How social media is changing education, 2010). And in this class we want participation! 

We will use many aspects of social media and we will all learn together.

 

Chan, W. T., & Leung, C. H. (2016). The Use of Social Media for Blended Learning in Tertiary Education. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 771-778.

How social media is changing education. (2010). Retrieved from BBC Active: http://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/Howsocialmediaischangingeducation.aspx