What is Social Media? Why would I use it?
Social Media tools are tools that allow for social interaction and easy creation of content by users. Examples of popular Social Media tools are Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Wordpress and Pinterest.
Social Media can be an effective tool for teaching and learning in higher education. It can help connect students to information and help them generate a dialogue with their teacher and other students about a course. It can also help students and faculty build professional networks that connect them to communities beyond the U of S.
How could I use Social Media in teaching?
A Social Media Panel presented by the U of S and the GMCTE during Technology Week 2012 discussed the use of social media and technology in the classroom:
The following tools are currently used at the U of S and elsewhere:
- USask Wordpress: Blogs for students and staff.
- Twitter: Share resources, connect with others, elicit feedback from students, all in 140 characters or less
- Diigo: Your bookmarks go where you go (access them from any computer or mobile device) and you can share them with students, colleagues and others.
- Delicious: Another social bookmarking tool. See Diigo.
- Google Reader: Subscribe to Websites, Twitter feeds and podcasts much like you subscribe to magazines.
- Google Docs / Drive: Collaborate on documents with colleagues and students and your documents are accessible from anywhere.
- Piazza: Students ask question and other students or the instructor can provide answers and resources.
The following resources are intended to help you learn more about technology and the use of social media in the classroom:
- The Evolution of Classroom Technology
- The Evolution of Technology and Education Infographic
- HOW TO: Set Up a Twitter Account
- Pros and Cons of Social Media in Education
- How College Professors Are Using Twitter to Re-Engage Their Students
Examples at the U of S
The social media tools listed above are in use at the U of S in the following ways: