How could schools use social media
Social media over the years has changed the way people use internet. With social media people’s interaction with one another has increased which has led to people visiting these sites more often. Though most people see social media as a place to hangout it can also be used as a productive tool. And schools are a place that will benefit from its use. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Pinterest, etc. can be used to increase the interaction between teachers, students and parents. It can also keep the parents in the loop about what their children do in school.
Here is how social media can be used in classrooms:
By creating a Facebook page for the classroom, the teachers can post homework and assignments which can be seen by the students and their parents. This way, even the parents will be aware of what’s going on in the class. The teachers can also share stories, post reminders and any changes in the lesson on Facebook.
Students can post their class work/projects on Pinterest for the teachers and parents to see. This can let students to see what their peers have done and get tips on how to improve their project.
Students can do quizzes on Twitter. For e.g. teachers can give students quiz questions and ask them to tweet their answers. The teacher can display the answers on the screen in real time. The teachers can also ask their students to give a lesson recap on twitter using 140 or less characters.
Blogger
Blogging is a great way to encourage students to improve their writing skills. Teachers can give out writing assignments to students in blogger. There can also be an essay writing competition between students of different class at Blogger and the best essay can be published in the school’s own private blog. With this the students will feel motivated and start their own blog which can be monitored and guided by the teachers.
