You are planning to incorporate Facebook into your curriculum. You have notified parents of its planned usage and have experienced resistance. How would you convince the parents of the educational value of Facebook?
You could explain the use of technology in the classroom and the benefits it has on diverse learning styles. I am sure that most students are aware of how much their children are adapted to the internet, and in knowing that it was for educational purposes, and being monitored, perhaps that would put their minds at ease.
I also think if you had the administration behind you that parents would be more likely to allow it.
I would argue that the parents were depriving their children of educational opportunities in a realm with which the children are familiar, a forum that they are comfortable with and might make learning fun for them. I would tell the parents to get out of the dark ages, these kids don't learn the way we did, it's time to move forward with the world.
I would use facebook to educate the parents using a facebook page. And I would tell them that the Chair of the Education Department at SUNY New Paltz thinks it can be an effective technology in the classroom.
I would create clear rules for the use of Facebook in my class, and make sure the rules are understood by both my students and their parents. As a French teacher, one of my rules would be that all posts be written in French. This will hopefully motivate students to use the language, and practically speaking, gives them an alternative arena in which to practice their French, as opposed to the formal speech/writing required in school.
Facebook is a site that students are already interested in. By incorporating this into the lesson, students have an opportunity to do the work together from home on a medium which they are already comfortable with.
The facebook group is not accessible to anyone outside of the group, so there is no risk of any outsiders accessing your children.
The sites use the format they are comfortable with to relate to and understand the details of the play and the characters. They will plug in the information about the characters from their point of view instead of simply memorizing information and answering quiz questions. This allows students to understand and remember details about the play as well as diving into understanding about the meaning of the play, in a familiar and fun structure.
You could explain the use of technology in the classroom and the benefits it has on diverse learning styles. I am sure that most students are aware of how much their children are adapted to the internet, and in knowing that it was for educational purposes, and being monitored, perhaps that would put their minds at ease.
ReplyDeleteI also think if you had the administration behind you that parents would be more likely to allow it.
You must show them the educational benfit first hand. Maybe during an open house you can explain the importance of facebook.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to let parents know that Facebook can also be utilized as a great site for students to share thoughts and ideas.
ReplyDeleteI would argue that the parents were depriving their children of educational opportunities in a realm with which the children are familiar, a forum that they are comfortable with and might make learning fun for them. I would tell the parents to get out of the dark ages, these kids don't learn the way we did, it's time to move forward with the world.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you could include the parents in the activity.
ReplyDeleteI would use facebook to educate the parents using a facebook page. And I would tell them that the Chair of the Education Department at SUNY New Paltz thinks it can be an effective technology in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI would create clear rules for the use of Facebook in my class, and make sure the rules are understood by both my students and their parents. As a French teacher, one of my rules would be that all posts be written in French. This will hopefully motivate students to use the language, and practically speaking, gives them an alternative arena in which to practice their French, as opposed to the formal speech/writing required in school.
ReplyDeleteFacebook is a site that students are already interested in. By incorporating this into the lesson, students have an opportunity to do the work together from home on a medium which they are already comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteThe facebook group is not accessible to anyone outside of the group, so there is no risk of any outsiders accessing your children.
The sites use the format they are comfortable with to relate to and understand the details of the play and the characters. They will plug in the information about the characters from their point of view instead of simply memorizing information and answering quiz questions. This allows students to understand and remember details about the play as well as diving into understanding about the meaning of the play, in a familiar and fun structure.