Twitter: A Teacher Tool

Twitter is a social media app used by numerous groups including teens and teachers. Teens, generally, use the app or website to converse with their 'Friends' and share life events with those they know. Additionally, teens follow the news of those who interest them and are their friends via Twitter. Teachers have a different, more functional use for Twitter. Twitter can be used to develop a professional learning network for teachers. Teachers constantly battle to stay current and exciting! A professional learning network helps teachers find new, innovative techniques, tools and lessons to bring into their classrooms.

Twitter is, simply speaking, another social media option for society. All an individual needs to create an account is a valid email, unique username and a password for security. Once an account has been created, the fun begins. First, vocabulary unique to Twitter:

• Followers: people who can see your Tweets
• Following: people who's Tweets appear on your feed
• Tweet: a post made with a limit of 140 characters
• Tweets can also contain links and multimedia
• Retweet: a user posts a tweet from someone else on their feed for their followers to see
• Favorite: a user saves a tweet to be able to see it whenever they would like

There are two major aspects of Twitter involving communication. First, there is the feed. The feed contains all the Tweets of users followed by the account. Normally, the feed contains comments, updates and information pertaining to the lives of friends, family and celebrities liked by the user. In a more professional atmosphere, the feed contains links and information that might be helpful in the related field. Professional learning networks are an example of a professional community using Twitter to better themselves. Second, direct messaging allows users to directly correspond with other users. These messages are private. Direct messaging is more often used by general users than professionals because professionals get most of their useful Tweets from users they don't personally know. General users use direct messaging as a instant messaging substitute for texting or other communication methods. Twitter acts as a communication and collaboration tool for society.

Using the basics of Twitter (described above), teachers can develop professional learning networks to enhance their classrooms. In order to do this, teachers develop their feed to provide information on topics regarding education. To begin, there is a search feature found at the top of the screen whether on the app or the website. In the search box, typing in topics related to education will provide accounts with information useful to teachers. Additionally, searching hashtags will find tweets with common concepts. Hashtags are phrases placed at the end of a tweet connecting the tweet to other tweets on the topic. For example, #globalclassroom provides a list of tweets about teachers integrating the world and different cultures into lessons. The search tool is a great starting point for developing a professional learning network. Next, add other teachers. When more teachers follow each other there is a greater opportunity to find useful information. Finally, by searching through the 'Following' lists for the education related accounts found earlier, teachers can find more accounts related to education.  At this point, the professional learning network foundation has been set. After developing the foundation for a professional learning network, teachers must continue to maintain, expand and utilize the network.

First, to maintain the professional learning network, teachers must ensure their accounts remain relevant to their needs. The Tweets that make up the feed represent the quality of the network. The accounts contributing to the feed should be tweeting about educational topics; not tweeting irrelevant information. Second, expanding the professional learning network is necessary. Teachers can expand their networks by following new accounts. The easiest way to find new accounts to follow is the feed. As other accounts retweet Tweets from their feed, users see new accounts related to the same topics they built their professional learning network around. Finally, the purpose for the professional learning network is to enhance the experiences of students in classrooms. Therefore, teachers who build these networks need to use the information found in their networks to enhance the experiences and learning of their students. Teachers do this by checking their feed often, searching for new ideas, activities and techniques for their classroom.

The concept of a professional learning network interested me enough for me to create one myself. To begin, I created my own account @diebel_noah. After creating an account, I sought out educational accounts by searching 'education.' Through this search, I found general accounts, including @STEM_Works, and more specific accounts like Karen Lirenman (@KLirenman). I enjoy reading STEM Works because the tweets provide links to learning opportunities. The topics are interesting and the sites are appropriate for students, allowing them to be used in the classroom.  In contrast, Karen Lirenman doesn't provide direct tools like STEM Works. She participates in discussions with other teachers on Twitter about topics relevant to me including technology in the classroom. Following Mrs. Lirenman helps me become a part of these discussions and learn from them. The combination of resources similar to each of these accounts builds a functional professional learning network for me to improve through as a future educator.

In conclusion, Twitter is a very popular social media app and website that can also be used for professional purposes. Twitter, as with most social media outlets, can have issues with security and privacy. However, the professional and careful use of Twitter by teachers prevents these issues. Reviews warn against the dangers of Twitter, but also promote the proper use of the tool. Teachers should use Twitter to build professional learning networks and improve the experience for their students!  

Old School Math

Math has evolved from when I learned my math facts. Now students learn multiple ways to find answers to every type of arithmetic. While this has positive effects including encouraging discovery and deeper thinking, students can’t produce answers quickly and rely on calculators for simple problems. “My Math App” helps students learn their math facts for quick responses. Strength in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division can lead to growth in more complex topics like algebra and calculus. Discovery learning helps children grow as students, but the memorization of basic calculations is useful in higher math topics and the workplace. “My Math App” works on developing this speed and memorization.

“My Math App” has several positive characteristics, but also a few drawbacks. First, the app provides facts for all four skills in one place and students can choose which skill they would like to practice. Additionally, the graphics are colorful and engaging, and the text is large and clear, making the screen easy to read and look at for periods of time. Third, the activities are flexible to the student. Students can turn on and off the timer, choose specific digits to focus on, and change the number of questions. These abilities allow students to customize their learning to meet their needs. These strengths make “My Math App” a useful tool to become fluent in the basic math facts useful in more challenging topics.

However, the “My Math App” has ads. The ads pop up after leaving an activity before completing the session. If you always finish the set then the ads never become an issue, but they could be tedious if you consistently leave sessions early. Lastly, the lessons are limited. The skills don’t mix. Students must choose addition, subtraction, multiplication or division and cannot mix topics. Allowing for mixing topics would improve the app because students would have to adapt on the fly and be extremely fluent in their math facts.

This app would be a supplementary tool in math classrooms. The Common Core curriculum teaches students specific techniques for the basic math operations, but most of these techniques take time. Instead of other options including drawing a picture, the app gives students practice with memorizing the facts. Students still need to learn the longer ways required by Common Core, but the memorization of basic facts will be useful in the future. “My Math App” provides students with practice for these memorization skills. Whether teachers provide this time during math lessons or as an optional activity during free time is up to them. The app can be used at different times and in different settings because it is simple to use, doesn’t require teacher oversight, and is portable.

Many users have given “My Math App” positive reviews. The app has helped students improve their knowledge of simple math facts and speed in responding. Students have found it as an effective learning tool in producing fluency in basic operations. The app isn’t a substitute for the learning and lessons that occur in classrooms, but assists in the learning process. It is great for students in 3rd and 4th grades that are mastering the operations and moving into more difficult math topics.

References:

My Math Flash Cards App [image]. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-math-flash-cards-app/id412496588?mt=8

Mitch Cogert (2012). Best iPad Apps for Kids: My Math Flash Cards App [video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dbh4pNJmK8

Math in the Wild!

Children love animals and nature, but, generally, aren't fans of fractions and multiplication. Splash Math is an app that combines the two. The organization has apps for each grade level, but I focused on the app for third graders because I hope to work with kids of this age in the future. The app provides children with age appropriate math games to help them develop their skills. The games are broken up into lessons focusing on specific topics covered in third grade math. Learning should be enjoyable and interactive. Children in today's society have greater exposure to technology, expanding the role of technology in the classroom. Splash Math combines learning and technology in a kid-friendly and interactive manner.

Splash Math for third graders has several aspects and features that make it user friendly and appropriate for children.  First, the games and lessons are broken up between different topics covered in the Common Core. For example, there are specific games for multiplication and division. The student can choose which topics to study depending on their mood and progress. Second, the students can grow at their own pace. They can choose the games and topics along with the theme. Splash Math has two options, jungle and ocean. Third, the bottom tab on the left gives students scratch paper space. Often students like to show their work and write down the calculations they make. The bottom tab provides students with these opportunities. Fourth, Splash Math connects with parents and teachers. In order to use Splash Math, a parent or teacher of the student provides his/her information. The app uses the information to send parents or teachers progress reports on their children and give them access to their child's activities. Sadly, the same program for other grade levels isn't free and is only compatible with Apple products. However, third graders, and their parents and teachers could use this app to enhance their learning experience and rate.

Reviews of Splash Math are stellar! Both teachers and parents have given positive feedback for Splash Math. Teachers have implemented the app into their classroom as a teaching tool to supplement lessons. The app has been said to make learning fun, personalize the education experience, and improve standardized test scores. Parents rave about the app, also. They love how the app reinforces lessons from school, make math enjoyable and can be used anywhere, extending the classroom beyond the classroom. Splash Math can be an app provided by parents or teachers, which will improve student performance in math in a fun and interactive manner.


Resources:

Splash Math [image]. Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/06/prweb11930653.htm

[Untitled image of Splash Math]. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/third-grade-splash-math-games./id449564960?mt=8

Hudl Up in Class

The 21st century education students need in the current world we live in requires more than the basic skills taught years ago. In addition to changing curriculum and expectations to meet job demands, the curriculum has changed due to innovation and societal change. Advancements in technology are examples of changes that impact the classroom. Hudl Technique is an app available for both Apple and Android products that combines these areas and could be beneficial in the classroom. Coaches use the app mostly to break down and analyze technique of players. However, this technology can be used in the classroom. The app is user friendly and free, making it more appealing to educators.

Hudl Technique has several features. Generally, these features can be divided into:

• Record and Manage
• Analyze
• Coach
• Team
• Share
• Community

First, the record tool is present in the app. There is the option to upload other videos, but one can get all the benefits of the app without any outside devices or services. Videos can be saved and organized in the app without any other apps or devices.  Second, the video can be broken down in slow motion using the different tools to demonstrate proper versus improper technique.  There are tools allowing users to watch videos side-by-side, zoom in on the video, and draw on the video using different drawing options.  Third, the Coach features allow coaches to edit the film with the analyze tools and voice-over technology.  This feature goes hand-in-hand with the fourth feature mentioned, the Team function which allows coaches or teachers to create groups to see their videos. The groups can see the videos and listen to the commentary on their own time.  The Share feature works with the Team feature to make sure the athletes or students have the opportunity to view the videos that will help them improve their skills.  Finally, the Community portion of the app provides videos of other athletes performing certain techniques. This feature is only relevant for teachers using the app for athletic movements.  The Community area acts a collaboration space for coaches in the same sport. These features along with the lack of cost make the app the best of its kind on the market.  Easy to use apps like Hudl Technique are definitely appealing, but one thing Hudl has is a great support website.  If you have trouble with the app or any of the features, support is there with answers.  

Creative educators will find several ways to use this app in their classroom, but two possible starting points would be in physical endeavors and in presentations. First, any physical task required in education can be evaluated. For example, elementary students learning to write could be filmed using the app and then learn from their mistakes. The teacher could use the tools in the video analysis portion of the app to address strengths and weakness, and illustrate proper technique. The same concept could be applied to presentations. As students improve and grow, they will have presentations in front of the class. The teacher can film their presentation and analyze the footage with them. The tools in the analysis portion would act highlighters to focus attention on both positives and negatives of the presentation. Public speaking and writing are both essential skills related to communication, a 21st century skill. The Hudl Technique app can assist in the development and refinement of these skills for young students.

While the Hudl Technique app isn't traditionally intended for use in the classroom, the reviews from coaches and players build up a strong reputation as one of the best apps on the market for this type of work. According to <re/code>, the app has been used by Olympic and professional athletes, recreational athletes, surgeons and scientists. The app has numerous uses and one of them is as a teaching tool in the modern classroom.

References:

[Untitled image of Hudl icon]. Retrieved from http://www.redherring.com/finance/sports-video-analysis-platform-hudl-grabs-72-5m-funding-round/

[Untitled image of Hudl video analysis]. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hudl-technique-golf-formerly/id581759921?mt=8

Social Media in the Modern Classroom

The technology of the world has improved at an exponential rate throughout history. The education system must keep pace with the rapidly changing world we live in. Twenty five years ago the average person never thought about surfing the world wide web because it didn't exist. Now I can communicate with someone on the other side of the world in real time. Previously, these current possibilities would be impossible! Now everyday use of the Internet is common among all ages, adults and children.

As educators for the future, we need to prepare our students for the world they will be thrown into following their education. Educators shouldn't teach to a test or focus on specific subjects. Instead a wholesome, well-rounded education should be provided for every student in every classroom. This well-rounded education needs to include hands on experience with technology, including the use of social media and communication technologies in a controlled, safe classroom environment.

However, teachers using social media must be aware of the restrictions on the use of social media in the classroom. For example, my former high school, Akron High School, in Western New York has clear regulations for educators mirroring the regulations for students. Any member of the school community is expected to use the technology responsibly and in a manner that doesn't harm other individuals in the community. All offensive, inappropriate, obscene or aggressive activities are not acceptable and can result in severe consequences including loss of Internet privileges and suspension. Akron High School does not directly address the use of social media beyond the forbiddance of any inappropriate or offensive behavior. Teachers utilize their own discretion in matters regarding students and social media. During my time at Akron, I never utilized social media for educational purposes, but the school uses social media, specifically Twitter, to communicate with students regarding athletic events and sudden changes in the school schedule.

In contrast, Guilford County Schools provides teachers with very comprehensive guidelines regarding social media use in the classroom setting and personal realm. The guidelines specifically state:

1. Teachers are personally responsible for any content on the web involving themselves or on their pages. This content can be grounds for disciplinary action. 
2. Use of social media in the classroom should be strictly professional and educational. 
3. Teachers are encouraged to utilize social media and post regularly and responsibly. 

First, the county recognizes all social media, public and private as public content in the sense that anything you post must be appropriate. Teachers are clearly warned of the dangers social media can pose to their careers if they fail to exercise discretion, even on private pages. The district does not recommend teachers interaction with students and parents through their personal sites. The district cautions teachers against friending or following students and parents.  Second, annually, a teacher makes the news for inappropriate relations with a student. The guidelines clearly state the appropriate use of social media. Transparency on social media accounts is encouraged because providing false information on social media reflects poorly on the school district as well as the teacher. Lastly, despite these restrictions, teachers are encouraged to utilize social media and educate their students on responsible, productive use of social media. Social media can be used inappropriately, but teachers can help prevent inappropriate use by teaching social media in the classroom.

Educators, as displayed above, have permission to utilize social media in their classroom and the use of these mediums of communication is on the rise in schools.  One reason for this rise could be the placement of technology in the ISTE Standards.  As clearly stated in A Guidebook for Social Media in the Classroom, "Social media is here. It's just another resource and doesn't have to be a distraction from learning objectives. Social media is another tool that you can use to make your classroom more engaging, relevant and culturally diverse."  The technology enhances the classroom experience, but some educators, especially elementary educators, might still find it difficult to incorporate social media into their classroom.

Mrs. Lirenman, a first grade teacher in British Columbia, Canada utilizes blogging and Twitter in her first grade classroom.  Her students share their new knowledge about the world with the world through blog posts and tweets similar to the ones Mrs. Lirenman posts.  The social media interactions are closely monitored by Mrs. Lirenman, but the students read other blogs and connect with other students.  These connections extend learning beyond the confines of the classroom and into the world.

The Edudemic Staff provide some other examples of social media in education.  First, teachers can create a classroom Facebook page to communicate with parents and, with parental consent, share student work with parents and other students.  Second, a classroom Twitter feed keeps students and parents updated.  Also, the Twitter feed can be used to expand learning beyond the classroom.  Third, teachers can require students to blog or post their final work to Instagram.  As long as the profiles are private, the viewing of student work can be limited to just the teacher, classmates and parents.  These all are possible options for teachers of all ages.  Elementary teachers skeptical of the openness of social media have additional, more controlled environments to educate students about social media.

More controlled environments are available for younger students to learn the process and guidelines for social media use.  Edmodo, Edublogs, Kidblogs, Fakebook and FakeTweet are examples of more controlled environments that mimic the concepts and processes of common social media outlets. These options provide students and teachers a safe environment to utilize and grow through social media in the classroom.  The children versions increase privacy and provide educational experiences nearly identical to the public versions.

The debate over using technology in the classroom is over. The new debate is what technologies to use in the classroom to best enhance learning. As 21st century educators, we prepare or fail to prepare our students for their futures in the 'real world.' Students in college are utilizing social media for class projects and communication. As educators, we should mimic higher education because our function is to prepare students for a future in higher education. Furthermore, professionals in the workplace are utilizing social media to exchange ideas and innovations. This communication revolutionizes the spread of new technology and concepts in critical professions including the medical field.  Students strive to become all that they have the potential to be. Teachers should push students to increase their potential.

Social media will be a part of the future for every student no matter what field they choose. Therefore, educators must bring social media, even if it's educational social media (i.e. Edmodo, Edublog, Kidblog), into the classroom.  The new technology also brings new challenges to the classroom.  Teachers must be aware of the dangers of social media and implement the necessary safety measures for both their students and their careers.

References:

Akron Central School Board of Education (2014). Akron Central School District code of conduct. Retrieved from http://www.akronschools.org/cms/lib/NY19000426/Centricity/Domain/3/Full%20Code%20of%20Conduct%20approved%20July%202012Updated%209-17-14.pdf

Buzzz Social Media. (2011, October 23). The social media revolution 2015 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eUeL3n7fDs#t=13.137397

Davis, V. (2014). A guidebook for social media in the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/guidebook-social-media-in-classroom-vicki-davis

Edudemic Staff (2015). How to use social media as a learning tool. Retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/how-to-use-social-media-as-a-learning-tool-in-the-classroom/

Frequency of faculty teaching social media by site graph [Online image]. (2013). Retrieved September 9, 2015 from http://aci.info/2015/03/26/aci-roundup-the-use-of-social-media-and-blogs-in-education/

Guilford County Schools (n.d.). Social media guidelines for faculty and staff. Retrieved from http://www1.gcsnc.com/boe/2011/3_24/Social%20Media%20Guidelines.pdf

Public Domain TV. (2014, July 25). Social media in the classroom: Forget textbooks! Use Twitter![Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoFMCpAvHtA