
Benefits Of Using Social Media in the College Classroom
For the past five years, I have used Blogster as the primary medium for students in my Literature courses at California State University, Chico, to fulfill their writing requirement. Every week, they’re responsible for composing articles on topics related to the works of literature we are discussing in class. Typically, these are works of fiction and non-fiction from different corners of the world. (Titles for the upcoming Spring Semester 2012 originate from places such as South Africa, Japan, Pakistan, India, and of course the U.S.). My purpose is to allow students the opportunity to share their thoughts about world literature with the world by using Web 2.00 tools. Frequently, the world writes back, which makes the whole experience even more exciting (and “real”).
Here is my list of 3 reasons why I believe social media (blogs in particular) serve a useful purpose in the college classroom.
1) Students are encouraged to develop an authentic style or “voice.” Let’s face it, most—if not all—students in today’s college classroom grew up with Web 2.00 tools. They learned to communicate through these tools (Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, YouTube). They learned about the world through these tools (Wikipedia, PowerPoint). The tools have seeped into their identity; indeed, have shaped the core of their identity. So it would seem natural that they be encouraged to use these tools as a means of self-expression in an English class. In fact, it could be argued that teaching students how to blog effectively and skillfully serves as a crucial antidote to the sloppy, mindless forms of communication that Web 2.00 tools can sometimes encourage and foster. (Think text-messaging).
2) Students write to a world audience. I constantly implore my students to keep in mind that they are no longer writing to a single person (a tweed-jacketed professor) but to possible readers in Sydney, Singapore, or Stockton. This now means that they must have something interesting to say and must be able to say it in an interesting way. Otherwise, they won’t have an audience. True, I am still the ultimate arbiter (with or without a tweed jacket), but when I grade, I do so with a view to how well the student creates a compelling voice for a wide audience (rather than writing as if it were simply a tedious class assignment).
3) Students can now enjoy using a visual and verbal medium. Research shows that some students are visual learners while others excel at verbal skills. In “the old days” (15 years ago, say), student writing was one-dimensional. The so-called Term Paper often consisted of a Thesis Statement followed by expository development of this key central idea. I am not criticizing this highly disciplined form of writing. In fact, I cut my professional teeth on its rigorous protocol. However, I am thankful that today’s college students have more freedom to experiment with visual images (from digital photographs to videos) in combination with good writing. Nothing replaces good writing, of course, especially in an English class. But, for an increasing number of students, having visual accompaniments can enhance the quality of their work and help to create a unique literary voice.
Notice that I am not highlighting the disadvantages or dangers of Web 2.00 tools here. Yes, they are real and I am aware of them. Here are the ones at the top of my list: piracy, plagiarism, and paucity of thought. But any tool (from the automobile to the cell phone) has its limitations. And so, for now, I’m going to emphasize the benefits and advantages of using social media in the college classroom.
May the blogging Muse be with you!
User Comments
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Of course not all students participate as vigorously in the blogging experience as I would like. But most do, actually. |
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Yes it is. Special rules for special bloggers. You can read it here : http://www.blogster.com/golfers/chico-state-students-vs-any-blogster-user |
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Kendall: Actually, many bloggers like to argue with and challenge our students. That's a good thing, as far as I'm concerned. |
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I agree with you sir. Sharing ideas is fun and at the same time, we can be able to learn new things from shared ideas by others. I'm also thankful to technology that they created different social media as a brige for interrelationship between people. You are like my literature teacher sir that he allow us to come up with our own ideas and let other know about it. With that, I am eager to learn new things and share it to others. I can feel that in this way, I am not alone and there are people out there who interact to me even if we are not talking in person. I'm very glas you have this post of yours. Thank you! Home Expert : Monica Eddwards |
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YES THEY CAN LEARN A LOT BUT FACEBOOK TO MANY KIDS POST TO MUCH INFO THEY SHOULD JUST STICK TO 1ST NAME AND NO PROBLEMS PROF GOOD WORK |
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I attended and graduated from Black Hills State University while I was in the Air Force. This concept would have made my Written Composition course a much better learning experience. |
I love reading your students and I've even made "friends" with a few of them...and I so agree with your reasoning, blogging is an excellent academic tool and reaching students on a level they are comfortable only makes sense.
Thanks for sharing your students with us Rob!