Although this was the first time I had been to the SUNY Conference on Instruction and Technology, I had heard positive things about it. The first presentation I sat in on was one on how to use social media creatively in the classroom. Mark Lewis, Christine Paige, and Alena Rodick from Empire State College gave this presentation and provided key information on a number of different applications.
Facebook is an easy to use program that students are probably already using. With Facebook and its group features, you can facilitate discussion, share resources, post questions, and provide updates. There is no need to share your personal information with your students. Here is more information about Facebook in education.
Wiggio
Wiggio is a collaboration and microblogging tool. With Wiggio, you can create private groups. Additionally, you can create text messaging, video notes, voice notes, conference calls, and virtual meetings.
Twitter is a microblogging that uses text messages of up to 140 characters. These messages can be public or private. Messages can be sent to one individual or groups. Twitter is a powerful tool for following other people and finding new ideas. Here is more information on Twitter in education.
Google Drive
The presenters offered a creative way to use Google Drive; it is called the Wall of Wisdom. Basically, it is a Google Doc wiki page that is passed down from one class to another sharing student experiences. It allows for student interaction between semesters. Students share tips for successfully passing the class.
Another activity is an online icebreaker conducted during the first week of class. Students create a collaborative presentation using Google Slides. This makes it more creative than a typical introduction discussion board.
PPT Karaoke
Here is another great activity that you can use for your class. It is called PowerPoint Karaoke. Teams of four create a presentation using Google Slides or PowerPoint. The topic is then presented in class except that another team will present the slides. This new team will have a couple minutes to review the slides before presenting them.
Diigo
Diigo is a powerful way to save your favorite websites in the cloud. The links you save can be public or private. These links can then be shared by email, RSS, or to private Diigo groups. With educator accounts, you can annotate pages with notes and highlights. Diigo is a great way to create a library of links to share with students or colleagues. Here is more information on Diigo.
Groupme
Groupme is group messaging service that works on different devices. It allows students to communicate outside the LMS.
In order for this tool or others listed to gain student acceptance, the instructor must model appropriate behavior through regular use.
Pinterest is a visual content curation tool. With this tool, you can create a visual library of resources. It is a great tool for collaboration and collecting group resources.
Concept mapping
The presenters provided a couple of concept mapping tools available for free. Cmap Cloud is a tool that can be used across devices. Additionally, Cmaps can be embedded in web or course pages. Popplet is another example of a mind mapping tool. Here is more information on concept mapping.
MyHistro
MyHistro combines blogging, visual and maps into a map and timeline.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are activities that can be done in a physical or virtual environment. The program Goosechase was recommended as a virtual scavenger hunt tool.
Google Jockeying
Here is a new term that I learned in the session, “Google Jockeying.” According to the Educause article, 7 things you should know about… Google Jockeying:
“A Google jockey is a participant in a presentation or class who surfs the Internet for terms, ideas, Web sites, or resources mentioned by the presenter or related to the topic. The jockey’s searches are displayed simultaneously with the presentation, helping to clarify the main topic and extend learning opportunities.”
This session was a great way to start my SUNY CIT conference. While I was aware of many of these social media topics, I was pleased to learn about a small handful of new tools and ideas.
Additional Reading
- #SUNYCIT: Real World Intercultural Classroom Collaboration via Social Media
- How to Add an Instagram Image to Your Blackboard Course
- Leveraging Twitter in the Classroom
- Diigo: Social Bookmarking
- Use Diigo to Support Your Class
- How to Use Snapchat in the Classroom
- Google Drive
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