Social Media, Cell Phones, and Education, Oh My!

J.J. Sylvia IV TeachUp! Communications Specialist

Adjunct Instructor Itawamba Community College

Why Social Media?

• Social media engages today’s students in ways that the traditional classroom cannot.

• Social media is changing the way we learn. Teachers are no longer gatekeepers to knowledge, but their role is more important than ever.

• It’s easy, fast, and cheap to connect to others – including experts!

• We can engage individuals one on one in meaningful exchanges.

60 percent reported that some of the most popular social networking topics were college planning, learning outside of school, careers, and schoolwork.

“Learn it because I said so isn't effective right now. We need to use the Internet to involve students in project based assignments in the real world, taking place around the world,” – Ann Flynn, director of educational technology for National School Board Association.

Changes in Learning

Traditional Education• Membership in intellectual and

social affinity groups

• Engaging in intellectual discussions

• Access to resources and experts

• Official endorsement of completion

• Accumulate and develop skills for employment

• Association with professional community

• Guidance through experience and thought processes

Social Media• Membership in intellectual groups

of unlimited size

• Engaging in a variety of discussions

• Access to experts and personalities

• Self expression

• Sharing enthusiasm for common interests

• Enhance personal and professional reputation

• Build and share skills

http://www.slideshare.net/intellagirl/educause08-social-media-and-education-presentation

What role can the educator play?

Teaching students how to learn in an information economy

Teaching students the importance of contributing to a community. Relating as more

experienced co-creators rather than employers.

Serving as guides as students shape their own paths.

http://www.slideshare.net/intellagirl/educause08-social-media-and-education-presentation

…and what about cell phones?

They connect the dots!

Examples…

• Twitter skeleton research

• iMovie to YouTube

• Poll Everywhere

• TwitterFall Questions

• Flickr Images

• The Amazing Web 2.0 Projects Book

“Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey

Contact Info:

J.J. Sylvia IVEmail: jsylvia@dotrust.orgTwitter: @teachup