Exploring Social Media in the Classroom

Introduction

Social Media is a major part of our popular culture and has changed the way we communicate with one another. As schools move towards technology - integrated curriculum, Facebook and Twitter, two of the most popular social media sites, can provide schools with an untapped opportunity for learning. Yet there is much debate about whether these sites have a place in the classroom. This webquest will look at the pros and cons of using social media in a high school classroom.

Learners: High school 11th and 12th grade students.

Objectives: What are the pros and cons of using social media, specifically Facebook and Twitter, in the classroom to enhance learning.

Standards: NETS-S

Creativity and Innovation

Communication and Collaboration

Research

Decision Making

Digital Citizenship

Task

Your assignment is to discover the pros and cons in using social media in the classroom.

For this assignment, I will divide the class into two groups. The first group will explain why social media is needed in the classroom to enhance learning. The second group will explain why social media would not work well in a classroom and would not enhance learning.

You must research the topics listed, analyze as a group, make decisions, and make a multimedia presentation to the class. The social media websites that will be discussed in this assignment are Facebook and Twitter.

Process

Step 1: Introduction and discussion- As a class we will watch this video about the growth of social media. I will open a discussion to the whole class about opinions of social media in schools and where the classroom stands on using Facebook and Twitter as part of their learning.

Step 2: The class will be divided into two groups. If your last name begins with A – L you will be on the Blue team. If your last name begins with M – Z you will be on the Red team.

The Blue team will be in favor of Facebook and Twitter in the classroom. The Red team will be against using Facebook and Twitter in the classroom. Consider how social media influences:

1. Student interaction with teachers and peers.

2. Student privacy and security.

3. Student learning. Will better learning occur?

Step 3: Research and Technology Tools. Each student will use computers and the web links provided to research the use of Facebook and Twitter in the classroom. You are required to write a two-page paper supporting your side. Make sure you have valuable points that can be used for your group’s final presentation. The written assignment is due one week from today.

Step 4: You and your group will collaborate to create a multimedia presentation supporting your side of the discussion. Decide as a group who will write out the content, upload the graphics, assemble the PowerPoint (or other presentation tool) and give the oral presentation. You may use any multimedia application like PowerPoint, Prezi, or Thinglink to present your side to the opposing team and myself.

Step 5: You will present your findings to the class for evaluation. After the presentations I will send out a survey. The survey will allow students to vote if he or she is for or against using Facebook and Twitter in the classroom. We will discuss the survey outcome in class once it is completed.

I will grade and evaluate you on your individual written assignment and team presentation. If you have an individual on your team who is not participating please let me know.

Please view the links attached. You are encouraged to view and research other resources.

In Favor of Twitter and Facebook in the Classroom:

http://youtu.be/1s7yJmY71d4

http://thinkonline.smarttutor.com/top-5-ways-to-use-twitter-in-education/

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/10/21/ten-ways-schools-are-using-social-media-effectively/2/

Against Twitter and Facebook in the classroom:

http://www.edudemic.com/why-social-media-is-bad-for-the-classroom/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2009/08/26/f-back-to-school-social-media.html

http://www.mercurynews.com/education/ci_24729227/special-education-teachers-facebook-post-calls-autistic-child

http://www.usnews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2011/08/10/student-teacher-social-media-restrictions-get-mixed-reactions

Evaluation

Your work will be evaluated using this rubric:

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Qualified 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Research Gathering	Student did not do any research.	Student did not have enough research.	Student had some research that reflects mastery of research gathering.	Student had adequte research that reflects the highest level of research gathering.
Group Collaboration	Student did not participate in the group collaboration.	Student partcipated only one time during group collaboration.	Student particapation in group collaboration was adequate reflecting mastery of performance.	Student participation during group collaboration reflects the highest level of performance.
Group Presentation	Student did not participate during the group presentation.	Student participation was lack during group presentation.	Student partcipaton demostrated mastery of performance.	Student participation demostrated the highest level of performance.
Individual Paper	Student did not turn in paper or did not follow directions.	Student paper had several grammar usage problems and/or paper was not APA style.	Student had some grammar usage but overall did mastery of performance work.	Student had no grammar usage problems and paper was APA style which reflects the highest level of performance.

Conclusion

What is your opinion now of using social media in the classroom? Did you change your mind? Is integrating social media like Facebook and Twitter into high school classrooms a smart and helpful decision? You have heard both the pros and cons, discussed it with your classmates, and turned your findings into a media presentation that you presented to the whole class. You were able to make an informed decision based on your own research and research from your peers.

Credits

This is how your work will be evaluated.