Journal Entry #7: Professional Learning Network

One of the most beneficial tools from this class is the idea of joining affinity groups. Joining affinity groups is helpful for teachers because they can use these groups as a resource for the classroom to gain and share ideas. Using social network sites as a professional learning network though may or may not be as useful depending on the project. I think social networks used in the classroom as a method of hooking the students is easier in some classes over others. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter should not be used too often, though. I also think depending on the age of the teacher, younger teachers tend to use social media more so than older teachers. While using affinity groups excessively probably would not have any harmful effects, using social media excessively I think may cause short or long term problems such as dependency.  

Journal Entry #6

I am glad I took the course because I was exposed to coding, html, and css, which are topics I would have never even thought about. While I am happy to have been exposed to coding, I also discovered that it is not for me. This course has been quite difficult for me, having had absolutely no prior experience. I think learning how to link webpages in code was most rewarding for me.

Journal 5: Twitter
I did not have a Twitter account before this class and if not for this class, I probably would not have created one to be honest. I am not a fan of Twitter and after trying the website out, I am still not a fan, maybe because I am still not used to it. I understand that some teachers believe integrating social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram into the subject can hook students into learning more. While that may be true, I, as a math teacher, do not believe in using that method to engage students. I will try to think of other ways to engage students without involving social media. Also, I believe social media can be used easier in certain subjects than others such as English and History.

Q1: How can social media be used in the classroom?
A1: A teacher can ask students to Instagram their projects or check in with their assignments on Twitter.

Q2: Is using social media mandatory to engage students?
A2: No, I do not believe using social media is mandatory. It is just one way to engage students, not the only way.