the connected classroom: using social media in your lessons

The Connected Classroom

Presented by Brandi Jordan, Managing Director of The Teachers’

Lounge,a Really Good Stuff blog

http://blog.reallygoodstuff.com ..

Tips for Using Technology in Lessons

Why connect?Digital age

Proficient in technology

Expand students’ worlds

Relevant/timely lessons

It’s fun! ..Photo by mikecogh (flickr.com)

Ways to ConnectClass BlogTwitter PollsCultural ExchangesChat With....Make a Video ..

Photo by Asthma Helper (flickr.com)

Ease of set-upBlogger, WordPress, NiNG, EduBlogs, Kidblog.org

Availability of privacy controlsPassword protection

Stress privacy issues with parents

Easy to update ..

The Classroom Blog

Twitter PollsSet-up an account & link to other educators

Ask questions about anything education related

Direct followers to an online GoogleDocs survey ..

Photo by Josh Semans (flickr.com)

Modern day pen-palsConnect with classrooms around the world using Skype, Twitter, videos, blogs, and emailStudent teachers abroad ..

Cultural Exchanges

Chat With...Skype, Twitter Chats, other video messagingAstronauts, authors, artists, museum curators, zoo keepers, other classrooms, etc. .. Photo by Julie Lindsay

(flickr.com)

Make a VideoPlays, poems, reading books, songs, etc.Post on password protected class blog/site.Share with other classes. ..

Photo by DaveFayram (flickr.com)

Lesson IdeasMath: Graph data from a Twitter poll

Reading: Book discussion via Skype

Social Studies: Cultural exchange with students abroad

Science: Make a daily video showing plant growth

Writing: Student blogs! .. Photo by One Laptop per Child (flickr.com)

Now What?Check your school’s policies

Check software & Internet access at school

Talk with other teachers

Start small, but dream big! ..