Socially Networked Classroom- Chapter 1&2 Reflection

Chapters 1 and 2 of Socially Networked Classroom provided useful information about how technology has quickly become an individual’s connection to the outside world and examples of activities to use in a low tech environment. The beginning of Chapter 1 caught my eye very quickly. The author speaks truth when he discussed the scenarios where each ends with someone pulling out a cell phone to reconnect with the world.  Cell phones and social media have sort of taken over our lives. It seems as if the world has discontinued the personable social interaction and are solely relying on social media updates, texts, and phone calls. I am currently a social worker for the head-start program and the teachers are not able to use technology in the classroom because of the organization who has the funding and the age of the children. But I found Chapter 2 useful in providing activities that can still be used in a  low tech head start classroom. One activity that early childhood development teachers could use is reading aloud to the students and then having them watch the movie to the book. I can remember reading books in school and then watching the movie and realizing that there were many differences between the two. Discussing the differences between the two with the students is a great way to have them use their thinking skills. Also, I have taken several collegiate courses where our first discussion has been “What are your earliest recollections of reading and writing?” This question allows the teacher to determine what past experiences a student has as well as it gives the student time to reflect and think about what they have learned and what they may need help with. I always enjoy this assignment because each time I can come up with something different which help me with the course.

Virtual Communities

Twitter has been used by various school districts, administrators, educators, and students. Twitter is a form of social media used to broadcast or tweet daily events by the minute. Educators who use Twitter are opening a diverse educational environment. They are choosing to not simply rely on their communication with their students to take place in the classroom but also through the internet. Educators can use Twitter as an open forum for activities, assignments, or just to understand the thoughts of their students. Twitter allows students who are registered to follow their teacher and make comments to their posts. Students can learn of new events taking place and upcoming dates. Twitter is a new generation chat room. I like the idea of teachers using Twitter to post important articles, facts, or quotes from important people that students may not have read otherwise.

www.twitter.com 

Google Groups can be used by teachers to set up and assign study group forums that their students can join and participate in open discussion. Students can also browse similar or interested topics and see what others have to say about a specific topic or subject. 

https://groups.google.com/