Social Media

Let's Integrate Technology!

When I was in high school, I remember how popular Snapchat became overnight. Everyone couldn't get enough of it and were obsessed in keeping their streak going! Snapchat was very addictive and still is for many teenagers. 
Image result for snapchat
via GoogleImages
Because I am a 1st grade teacher, I do not think it is appropriate to use Snapchat in my classroom. However, I would highly recommend middle school and high school teachers to incorporate it in their classroom. In the article, Getting Started with Using Snapchat in Your Classroom, John Walter mentions, 

"Our students are using Snapchat, and what many educators fail to understand about the app is that students are not just taking a picture. They are having a conversation. They are telling a story." (Walter, 2017)

Instead of just dismissing technology, we should embrace it! By using social media in the classroom, students are given the opportunity to have their voice be heard by other individuals in the school, community, or around the world! Snapchat gives the user the opportunity to tell a story. I think this app can be greatly implemented in classrooms. Students can report on findings out of the classroom by posting or sending videos to their teachers. Students can also record themselves summarizing a reading or one thing they learned to be then graded as a formal assessment. If your school has a student newscast, members may walk around and ask students several questions to then be broadcasted for the school to hear. There are endless amount of ways to use Snapchat in the classroom! 
via GIPHY.com
Although Walter recommends using social media in your classroom, he informs educators about having a clear purpose in using Snapchat in your classroom. As the educator, you want your students to incorporate technology and social media in an educational way and purposeful way. Developing a policy is one step in accomplishing this. By creating an anchor chart to post in the classroom, students can be reminded of what is expected while using social media and what is the goal. Remember, you don't just want students to be posting random things or using this time to socialize with friends. 

 Overall, this article shed light on the impact social media apps such as Snapchat has on teenage students. Walter mentions in his article, 
"If students are using Snapchat, teachers should look for ways to harness the power of the application for learning."(Walter, 2017)
Thus, educators should create active learning by welcoming social media and technology into their classrooms.

Resources
Getting Started with Using Snapchat in Your Classroom

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