Media Studies Reflection

For the past several weeks my language class has been examining media in the classroom. We've looked at the benefits and some of the challenges that may arise when using technology. In particular, we have focused on how media in the classroom will impact us as teachers. Are we prepared for the digital classroom? Can we adapt and make technology a useful tool for our students? Are we comfortable enough when using technology ourselves and how might we adapt our lessons to include more tech? All of these questions revolve around the theme of digital literacy which is a key focus in the Ontario Curriculum. 

This week I explored Edutopia which is a website designed to share educational knowledge with an online community for the purposes of adoption in the classroom. Specifically, I read a blog post called "Social Media Can Be Your Ally" which discusses using social media in the classroom. The big question is, should teachers be communicating with students outside of the physical classroom? The answer I've come to after reading the blog and watching the TVO video above is YES! Using social media can be a great way of connecting with your students in a way that is both comfortable and convenient for them. A majority of students are comfortable using devices and are familiar with social media. They probably know more about the digital world then we do!

As an educator I want to connect with my students and cultivate connections between them and their learning. This is challenging while students are hidden behind computer screen and mobile devices. We have to get creative and make those connections on a platform they understand. Twitter is an excellent tool for reach students at home. Teachers can post homework, class reminders and tips for homework. Blogging is another effective tool for teaching. Students not only write blogs but comment on them. It becomes an online forum where students and educators all over the world can interact and learn from one another. 

The easy access to information and online tools has created an endless possibilities for students and teachers alike. It has become critical to understand how to use media effectively. So much so that the Ontario curriculum sets media literacy expectations for each grade. In grade 6 students have to be able to create a variety of media texts for different and audiences. Social media is the perfect forum to teach this. 

Social media is an ally. Teachers have to recognize it and be willing to embrace it. If we can do that we can reach our students and take educating to a new level of success. I want to reach students on a level they understand and if that means adapting my teaching style to embrace media then I am willing and ready!