Kessler, S. (2010, September 29). The
Case For Social Media in Schools. Retrieved October 13, 2016, from
http://mashable.com/2010/09/29/social-media-in-school/#7ttdiIaPOkqR
Klopfer, E. (2009). The Instructional
Power of Digital Games, Social Networking, Simulations and how Teachers Can
Leverage Them. Retrieved October 12, 2016, from
http://education.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/GamesSimsSocNets_EdArcade.pdf
The biggest question in debates today is: “Is social media
and technology an asset to have in schools?” There are many sides to this debate,
but I have my opinion that might be different than others. In my opinion, I
believe that social media and technology can have many positive assets for a
classroom. I can see how it can add a great deal to lessons, as well as the
classroom environment. For instance, the way social media and technology can
add to lessons was discussed in the article written by Eric Klopfer. He states
that simulations and digital gaming can be added to give lessons an added
challenge and sense of engagement for the 21st century learners in
the classroom. As for the classroom environment, Sarah Kessler discussed how
social media can add a great positive dynamic to the classroom environment, due
to fact that it creates collaboration instead of cliques, which cause displaced
students in the classroom environment.
Question 1: Do cell phones help with chronic absenteeism in
school?
Answer 1: According to Kessler, many schools have adopted a
program that will wake up students who have chronic absenteeism through a text
message. This will allow the student to get a reminder that they are wanted at
school. As a result, these schools have seen a 35% improvement in chronic
absenteeism and the school did not have to spend any money for this program.
Question 2: What are simulations? What are a few examples of
simulations?
Answer 2: According to Klopfer, simulations are analogies of
a real world situation, as they recreate a modeled or modified version of a
real world situation. Some examples of simulation are Molecular Workbench,
StarLogo: The Next Generation, and SimCity.
I’m not sure how you can make such a large claim that the use of social media alone will promote collaboration and avoid the pitfalls of face to face interactions. From my perspective, social media is just a digital representation of owner normal social behavior. We friend who we like on social media and ignore the people we think have a different view then our own. I feel building a collaborative community is not as simple as just changing the discussion platform.
ReplyDeleteWhile a 35% increase in chronic absenteeism is great, is it truly necessary for students to have access to their cell phones in the classroom? I know many students have cell phones simply for safety concerns from parents, but does that mean that they should be able to use them freely while at school. While I know this is the extremist view, from the simple text message alert to increase attendance, I think it is something to consider. Once students are given permission to use their phones in class, do they only do so when asked or will it become the norm to have their cell phones out?
ReplyDeleteI am a 6th grade math teacher, and I do see the value in social media in the classroom. Students can easily use social media to discuss their math ideas and various topics. However, I also feel that social media can be hinder student thinking and understanding if not used properly. Students may become too reliant on social media instead of face to face interactions and collaboration.
ReplyDeleteI am a 6th grade math teacher, and I do see the value in social media in the classroom. Students can easily use social media to discuss their math ideas and various topics. However, I also feel that social media can be hinder student thinking and understanding if not used properly. Students may become too reliant on social media instead of face to face interactions and collaboration.
ReplyDeleteUsing technology so that students will not be late for class is a great idea. As long as they receive permission from the parents of that student. Sending out a mass text or email reminder. When I did student teaching in high school most of the students had phones. Quite a few of those students would show up late and they would come in looking like they just woke up. As for using phones in the classroom it has its positives and negatives. For instance all smartphones have calculators in them now. There are also so many amazing math applications that students can use.
ReplyDeleteLet's also not forget Minecraft with these simulation games.
ReplyDelete"Through experimenting and working together, kids begin to develop skills in creative thinking, math and geometry, and even a bit of geology. And to complete large tasks, they need to plan a strategy, define goals and work together to execute and see the mission through — sort of like having a real job." (Rock, 2016)
Rock, Margaret. "Hey, Parents. What Minecraft Is Doing to Your Kids Is Kind of Surprising." 2machines. Modern Parent, n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.