In Ryan Lyte’s article “3 Ways Colleges Use Instagram”, we see how “The photo platform has become a go-to source to engage current students and alumni alike.” After exploring the powers of Instagram for the first time over the past several months, I must say that I totally agree with this quote from Mr. Lyte. Instagram is a mobile application, which allows people to take photos and share them with people all over the world. This social media network has grown to encompass over 40 million user, nothing to scoff at. Facebook purchased the app in 2012 for 1 billion dollars, (insert Dr. Evil expression from Austin Powers here). Today that 40 million user figure has swelled According to Statista.com, as of December 2014 Instagram had 300 million users! They are clearly doing something right. For college students who are overloaded by text, Instgram offers a visual alternative according to Lyte. Colleges across the country and the world are now incorporating the social media platform into their universities and classes. Some classes are having students post a picture a week related to the course and the content. Instagram is also great for students to engage in their school communities by posting pics of major events. "I feel very strongly that photos are one of the best ways to sell anything," notes TCU's Peterson. "Having a photo is such an instant, visually gratifying experience [and] what makes Instagram kind of cool is that the images look really pretty." This helps to create school unity and community. “At the University of Florida's recent commencement ceremonies, the university promoted the #ufgradhashtag on Twitter and Instagram, and encouraged students to also post images on Instagram using the hashtag.” A sure fire way to build school spirit. I feel that the K – 12 system is totally missing the boat here. Students use this social media already in and out of school. Why not embrace something that gets students excited, engaged and collaborating. Universities are embracing the digital era, which incorporates social media, it is long past time for the lower levels to do the same.
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/06/07/3-ways-colleges-use-instagram?page=2
Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-engagement-stories-heather-wolpert-gawron?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=blog-kids-speak-out-question
What happens when we ask students what engages them? The answers may or may not surprise you. This article lists the top ten things students want in the class room. According to this article the number one thing is working with their peers. This is great because in the real world people need to collaborate with one another in the workplace especially as our world becomes more technologically developed. It a collaborative world. Number two on this list is working with technology. It is a digital age. The second you turn your back on a class or give them the chance, students jump on their devices and are engaged in their apps and tech. So why not use what what they love in the class and adapt it to lessons?
#InstagramELE challenge!
http://pilarmunday.com/instagramele-challenge/
Istagram is a tech giant. Students love it! Districts hate it, and it is blocked at many schools. Should it be? NO. It is clear that students want to learn using different mediums. I dont blame them. The last government class I taught relied on outdated texts from the early to mid 90's. The book could not even hold my interest so there was little hope in my eyes for the students interest in this text. Surly there are better alternatives to learning.... Instagram is one tool of many that can spice up learning in a digital age. So many experts are starting to embrace this idea. This article discusses amazing ways students can use Instagram to help bolster their interest in homework and learning. Students can create and follow specific hashtags related to specific content. Truly amazing.
Instagram Scavenger Hunt
http://catlintucker.com/2013/02/instagram-scavenger-hunt/
Why cant class be fun? More and more teachers are starting to address this issue while merging lessons with tech and apps such as Instagram. Catlin Tucker describes in this article how amazing Instagram scavenger hunts can be! This can work especially well on a field trip. It starts by creating a list of things for students to find. Then let them start snapping photos. However, students need to have access to a device. Many of my students do not. Some classes in my school have Ipads which I could see working for this and you can even pair students up if tech is limited. I cant wait to try this.
Moral of the story...
There are so many benefits to incorporating tech in the classroom. Educators need to not be afraid to experiment with tech and apps such as Instagram. Why resist what students love especially when there are educational benefits. The world is changing and education needs to similarly evolve.
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/06/07/3-ways-colleges-use-instagram?page=2
Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-engagement-stories-heather-wolpert-gawron?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=blog-kids-speak-out-question
What happens when we ask students what engages them? The answers may or may not surprise you. This article lists the top ten things students want in the class room. According to this article the number one thing is working with their peers. This is great because in the real world people need to collaborate with one another in the workplace especially as our world becomes more technologically developed. It a collaborative world. Number two on this list is working with technology. It is a digital age. The second you turn your back on a class or give them the chance, students jump on their devices and are engaged in their apps and tech. So why not use what what they love in the class and adapt it to lessons?
#InstagramELE challenge!
http://pilarmunday.com/instagramele-challenge/
Istagram is a tech giant. Students love it! Districts hate it, and it is blocked at many schools. Should it be? NO. It is clear that students want to learn using different mediums. I dont blame them. The last government class I taught relied on outdated texts from the early to mid 90's. The book could not even hold my interest so there was little hope in my eyes for the students interest in this text. Surly there are better alternatives to learning.... Instagram is one tool of many that can spice up learning in a digital age. So many experts are starting to embrace this idea. This article discusses amazing ways students can use Instagram to help bolster their interest in homework and learning. Students can create and follow specific hashtags related to specific content. Truly amazing.
Instagram Scavenger Hunt
http://catlintucker.com/2013/02/instagram-scavenger-hunt/
Why cant class be fun? More and more teachers are starting to address this issue while merging lessons with tech and apps such as Instagram. Catlin Tucker describes in this article how amazing Instagram scavenger hunts can be! This can work especially well on a field trip. It starts by creating a list of things for students to find. Then let them start snapping photos. However, students need to have access to a device. Many of my students do not. Some classes in my school have Ipads which I could see working for this and you can even pair students up if tech is limited. I cant wait to try this.
Moral of the story...
There are so many benefits to incorporating tech in the classroom. Educators need to not be afraid to experiment with tech and apps such as Instagram. Why resist what students love especially when there are educational benefits. The world is changing and education needs to similarly evolve.