The way that we teach and the way that students learn is constantly changing as the generations change. As teachers, we have to continually adapt our methods that we use and the materials that we use in classrooms in order to fit the needs of our students. One of the tools that we use as teachers that is constantly changing and widely debated is the use of technology and media in classrooms. Continue reading Using Netflix to enhance learning and create awareness
Monthly Archives: October 2015
Snapchat: Platform for Cultural Learning and Flexible Identity Development
I think people are quick to point out the inadequacies of Snapchat. It is dangerous because while we think the images disappear after 10 seconds, there are ways of keeping them. There are ways for children and adolescents to become enmeshed in accusations of child pornography with disappearing nude pictures. All of these things are true. But they can also be true about other social medias. That is why it is important to encourage using Snapchat for learning and friendly communication. Continue reading Snapchat: Platform for Cultural Learning and Flexible Identity Development
Community Engagement through Social Media
Social media saturates contemporary society. Reflexively, social media is a tangible and constantly updated representation of society. Social media acts an ideal site to examine the manifestation of social issues. It is also a space where everyone has power to contribute, positively or negatively. Because youth today are so inundated with this technology, it is of great importance that schools help orient critically receptive and actively engaged attitudes toward social media use. Equipping students will the skills to read social media as text representing society, as well as a sense of responsibility to leverage social media technology as a means to connect, discuss, collaborate, and engage, is of utmost importance.
Twitter is a particularly unique and powerful social media platform for critical media analysis and community engagement. Continue reading Community Engagement through Social Media
Texting During Class!
Text messaging has become a language for many people, especially adolescents. There are certain words and phrases that are understood through text, but would be unfamiliar if used orally. For example, phrases such as “lol” or words such as “finna” can become difficult to understand for people who are unfamiliar with the texting vernacular. It is important to realize and understand that text messaging is a form of language for some of our students and for others it is a form of writing. It is also possible that for some of our students it is a combination of both of these things. Continue reading Texting During Class!
Using WeChat to Engage Students in Oral Class
A multi-functioned app “WeChat” has skyrocketed in popularity among adolescent students, particularly Chinese students. WeChat is originally invented for sending voice messages. Now I’ve seen many language teachers using it as an effective tool to engage students in language learning and practicing. Continue reading Using WeChat to Engage Students in Oral Class