Where the pedagogy is successful, social
media can give learners reliable and interesting
content, as well as opportunities to access
expert advice, to encounter challenges, to
defend their views and to amend their ideas
in the face of criticism.
"Social media can bring learning to life by summoning up different times, spaces, characters , and possibilities" (Sharples, de Roock, Ferguson, Gaved, Herodotou, Koh, Kukulska-Hulme, Looi,C-K, McAndrew, Rienties, Weller, Wong, 2016, p.12).
Using Jay and Johnson's (2002) reflective model, I will explore using online social networks in teaching and professional development."Social media can bring learning to life by summoning up different times, spaces, characters , and possibilities" (Sharples, de Roock, Ferguson, Gaved, Herodotou, Koh, Kukulska-Hulme, Looi,C-K, McAndrew, Rienties, Weller, Wong, 2016, p.12).
Step 1: Descriptive Stage
For me, I did not ever think about using social networking as a means in which to develop my teaching practice until I began this MindLab course. It had never crossed my mind. However, as I have delved into online networks through MindLab, my interest in how they are used in the classroom and professionally for me as a teacher has grown.
I have begun to harness these characteristics of social media in my teaching and professional development:
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| Retrieved from https://www.teachersandsocialmedia.co.nz/what-social-media |
I have begun to harness these characteristics of social media in my teaching and professional development:
- Twitter - to access, share and discuss context related topics with peers in the education sector.
- Class Dojo - to share content and discussions with families of the children in my class. It is an accessible online platform in which parents, students and myself can access 24/7.
- Blogger - to share and discuss context specific ideas and learning with peers.
- Online teacher resource sites such as Pinterest where teaching resources can be shared, reused and accessed by all 24/7.
Stage 2: Comparative Stage
Sharples et al. (2016) suggest that social networks in the classroom can increase "...creativity, collaboration, communication and sharing of resources" (p.12). This is reinforced by the New Zealand Education Council (n.d.) who explain that social media enhances communication between a range of people.
Therefore, social networking in the classroom would provide a means of teaching collaboration and communication skills (Sharples et al., 2016) to children in a relevant and meaningful way for them as 21st Century learners. However, with this comes implications.
A challenge is online safety and privacy for children. To combat this, schools need secure policies around children's safety and presence online and teachers need a clear understanding of these. Parents also need to be informed about what is happening in the classroom and the purposes for using online media networks to enhance teaching and learning. In a recent parent survey at our school, many parents were concerned with the use of digital technology and internet use for their children. This would help alleviate some of their concerns.
An challenge in using online networks for professional development is using it for a purpose. I have become 'lost' in using social networking sites for professional development as I have not thought about the benefits of using it (Education Council, 2012). I have perhaps become quite casual in how I use these social networks for professional development, not looking at reputable, theory based ideas (Melhuish, 2013).
A challenge is online safety and privacy for children. To combat this, schools need secure policies around children's safety and presence online and teachers need a clear understanding of these. Parents also need to be informed about what is happening in the classroom and the purposes for using online media networks to enhance teaching and learning. In a recent parent survey at our school, many parents were concerned with the use of digital technology and internet use for their children. This would help alleviate some of their concerns.
An challenge in using online networks for professional development is using it for a purpose. I have become 'lost' in using social networking sites for professional development as I have not thought about the benefits of using it (Education Council, 2012). I have perhaps become quite casual in how I use these social networks for professional development, not looking at reputable, theory based ideas (Melhuish, 2013).
Stage 3: Critical Reflection
I now see social networking as a useful tool in accessing professional development and supporting teaching and learning in my classroom. However, it is important that I do not fall into the 'trap' of using it for the sake of it, but rather continuing to look critically at the benefits of using social networking and being clear about the purpose for it. This will also allow for greater understandings by parents when these ideas are communicated with them. It will be something that will need to be carefully and systematically be brought into the school.
References:
Education Council. (2012). Establishing safeguards.[video file]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/49216520
Finlay, L. (2008). Reflecting on reflective practice. The Open University.
Melhuish, K.(2013). Online social networking and its impact on New Zealand educators’ professional learning. Master Thesis. The University of Waikato. Retrieved on 04 May, 2015 from https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/8482
NZ Education Council. (n.d.). What is social media . Retrieved June 16, 2017 from https://www.teachersandsocialmedia.co.nz/what-social-media
Sharples, M., de Roock , R., Ferguson, R., Gaved, M., Herodotou, C., Koh, E., Kukulska-Hulme, A., Looi,C-K, McAndrew, P., Rienties, B., Weller, M., Wong, L. H. (2016). Innovating pedagogy 2016: Open University Innovation Report 5. Milton Keynes: The Open University. Retrieved from http://proxima.iet.open.ac.uk/public/innovating_pedagogy_2016.pdf
Even when we think we have followed policy and understand what the implication are, something like face recognition or other place and time information seem to be invading traditional privacy norms. We can't put our heads in hole and pretend these things are not happening but need to experiment knowing that the ground is shifting continuously
ReplyDeleteHi Danielle, thanks for sharing your blog. It was an honest piece of writing that I enjoyed reading. I agree with Ross's comment above whereby the "ground is shifting continuously". Technology is a difficult one to keep up with, but not only due to technological advances, but because the children themselves get bored and move on from one app/program to another in such a short amount of time. What may have been engaging and useful one day suddenly becomes yesterdays news and we have to re-learn and adjust ourselves to keep up with them.
ReplyDeleteParents concerns can also be affected by their idea of how teaching should be done and was done when they were at school. I hear it all the time as a teacher in the 21st century "kids are on their devices too much" or "what was wrong with the old ways of teaching" so in some cases parents are reluctant to engage in technological advances, because they believe digital devices are merely toys and don't often consider them educational tools.
The fact that you have started to engage in using social media as a means of communication and learning in your classroom is great. You can only go up from here. Keep up the good work!
Hi Danielle,
ReplyDeleteAn honest blog, that reflects both your enthusiasm since signing up to do the Mind Lab course and your reluctance or lack of awareness about the role of Social Media. One of the positives from the google+ environment are you see who is really getting stuck into using every tool and those who have identified a range of reasonable tools to use with students. I think teachers at your level in primary education are in most ways ahead of dinosaurs like myself in secondary. One thing I can share though, if I haven't already is the use of Netsafe's resources kit for schools, they might save you a lot of heart ache in setting new things in motion. Good luck
Andy D
http://www.netsafe.org.nz/the-kit/detail/step-2-build-a-secure-foundation/internet-safety-policies/safety-in-policy
It is definitely tricky trying to utilize and navigate through online social networks whilst trying to ensure the safety and protection of all our tamariki. You mentioned you use online platforms such as twitter to engage with other like minded educators. In this day and age, where once something is posted, it is up on the internet forever, do you think that you feel 'safe' enough to post questions and discussions on twitter - a place that future or current employers may look at?
ReplyDelete