4.+Social+Media+Creating+an+Effective+Learning+Experience+in+Schools


 * Social Media and the Influence on Children﻿ **

__** Integrating Social Media in the Classroom **__ Using social media in the classroom can influence children's learning experience, for this would be speaking their Digital Native language. Applying social media would benefit teachers as well, as children are more engaged into learning. There are four main points that we will discuss as to why schools should incorporate social media into their classrooms. First, we know that social media is here to stay, so rather than fighting it, we the Digital Immigrants, need to embrace it. Plus, knowing the same type of technology children are using will benefit the teacher as well, and parents would feel rest assured that the teachers are monitoring their childs social media. Second, most schools have safety oriented media tools. Kidblog.org, for example, is a free tool that enables teachers control the online features in the classroom, while still getting the benefits of using digital technology. Kidblog is geared towards both the elementary and middle years age groups and provides each child with the ability to participate by publishing their post within a secure classroom blogging community (Kessler, 2010). Third, social media allows children to be engaged. This influences children positively in a classroom. Children are allowed to create blogs in regards to their assignments, and knowing that their teacher, friends and family are viewing their work adds to the value they put into their assigments. Edublogs and Shutterfly Share are examples of the safe, secure and easy blogs that classroom teachers can create. Lastly, schools that integrate social media in the classroom encourages collaboration with students in the classroom. Teachers can group children together for certain projects. Also, children who are shy can easily participate in group discussion on the classroom blog, thereby sharing valuable information that they otherwise may not be shared (Kessler, 2010). media type="file" key="Social Media.mp3" width="240" height="20"