After looking back at the second learning experience during my media course I can say that I have thought and learned about many new things. One of the first things I learned about was the full TLCP process. I had just learned about TLCP’s last year and didn’t really understand the whole process, since it was my first time as well as my schools. I was shocked when I found out that the process was published in 2008 and I didn’t hear about it until 2010. I guess my board is a bit behind. I also found that other teachers had many of the same views about the process. While the thoughts behind them are good and they are supposed to be to help the students but I really think that my school’s goal was just to raise the grade 3 and 6 scores. The message we all get is forget the level 1 and low 2 students because they are too far from bettering scores and forget the level 3 and level 4 students because they are already doing the job in the score department on the test. This doesn’t sound right when you put this way does it? But, sadly true. The idea of looking at the weaknesses in your class and working towards them is a good idea, but it doesn’t work when you do this as a grade group of let’s say 3 classes and pick 1 focus for all of the classes. If done properly and not just based off last year’s scores the TCLP would help each class. I also learned some great ideas on how to use social media in the classroom. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a sceptic before. I think now I will start using social media in my classroom since the benefits seem to outweigh the negatives. Let’s hope I can get others on board.
Social Networking in the Classroom
Schools have been struggling with the idea of social networking in the classroom for years. Boards have put blocks trying to keep the students from accessing them and teachers shy away from using them. But let’s face it social networking is a major part of our lives and the students. Schools are supposed to be designed to help students be successful in the real world, and the real world uses social networking. The whole idea of having access to others and sharing information is encouraged in schools but frowned upon when it is done using a computer. Is there a real difference?
Ok, before I go any further I know teachers are going to be out there saying that you can’t monitor what is being said, what is being sent and how students are using it. You are all correct. But the same problems have been faced outside on the playground and even in some classrooms. Our goal could be to teach the proper use of social networking just like we teach proper behaviour in and outside of our schools.
Social networking can be a great tool to teach media literacy. Students can make real life connections and will see school as being a part of the real world not separate. I bet the majority of teachers reading this article still have their old media projects like, make a cd cover and design a brochure. Most students don’t even own a cd and almost all information is found on line not in brochures now a days. Teachers and schools must change with the times and media is one of the fastest changing subjects in school today.
There are many great ideas that can be done using social networking. Students can make Facebook pages as the lead character of the books they are reading or a Facebook page of a historical figure from history class. Social media does not have to be strictly media based it can be used to cover all subject areas. Webpages and blogs can be created by students and media techniques can be discussed. School will become more open to the community and parents will be more aware of what is happening in the school. Projects and assignments can be posted, student success shared and community events relayed. Parents can become involved and information can be shared by all. Social networking in the classroom has endless possibilities.
Don’t be afraid. Be a leader. Start something new. Incorporate social media into your classroom - you will be glad.
Learning Experience #1
After completing the first part of my media specialist course the assignment that has stuck with me the most was about leadership styles. I really enjoyed watching the slide show that displayed quotes about leadership. After watching the slide show, it really made me think about my leadership style and the leadership styles of others. I thought about past teaching partners and administration. I also thought about past teachers and coaches that I had when I went through elementary school, high school and even university. I thought about the styles that I like and the ones that were effective for me. I also realized that what worked for me does not always work for others. As teachers, we all will find a leadership style that will work for us but, we must be flexible to others that you are trying to lead.
I have been thinking of ways of sharing this slide show with others and I have found a way to do it. I am planning to have my intermediate class present something similar at our next character Ed assembly. We are trying to help students become leader in the classroom, school and community so I think this will be a great leadership opportunity for my students. Who knows if it will help inspire others as well?
Here is the slide show that I have been talking about.
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