Using Social Networking to Tackle Tough Problems in Education

Using Social Networking to Tackle Tough Problems in Education

By Erika Orians

eorians@bucyrusschools.org

http://missspitler.wikispaces.com/

What is Schoology?

Tough Problems

• What are the biggest problems that need to be addressed?

• Poll- you may take poll by text or email.

• Poll created by: textthemob.com

Tough Problems

• Lack of student participation and motivation

• Disorganized students and incomplete assignments

• Budget cuts: limited books, resources, and paper

Lack of student participation and motivation

• Looks and navigates like Facebook• Students can comment and « like »

• Ideas receive positive feedback from teacher and peers.

Lack of student participation and motivation

• Everyone has a voice.

• Students share deeper level answers

• More comfortable with sharing • They love to have civilized and

intelligent arguing.

Lack of student participation and motivation

Lack of student participation and motivation

• Videos and Pictures

• Interest Groups– Clubs– Sports– Class groups

HOMEClick for Blog on Groups in Classroom

Disorganized students and incomplete assignments

• Create assignments, discussions, quizzes or tests– Appears on students’ newsfeed and course

page.

Disorganized students and incomplete assignments– Receive text or email notifications

• Teachers receive alerts too!– Dramatic impact on my classroom– Students know they will get feedback in

timely manner.

Disorganized students and incomplete assignmentsThe Digital Drop Box– Alternative way to turn in

assignments– Papers get messy and lost– Can view if LATE or ON TIME– Turn in early to recieve feedback

and fix

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Budget cuts: limited books, resources, and paper

• Bucyrus in paper crisis!– My classroom is 95%

paperless• Schoology Topics

– Create (Topic) for each unit taught

– Store notes, presentations, worksheets, study materials, test/quizzes

Budget cuts: limited books, resources, and paper

• Shortage on books?• Shortage on paper?• No color printer?

• Scan documents, post as assignment or quiz, students type answers and upload!

• Perfect for maps, diagrams, charts, and art

Example of Limited Paper/Resources Assignment

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Schoology at Bucyrus