Embedded Files
Students use social media. While this is certainly not a groundbreaking realization, it may be surprising to know that many students are using social media more than to just garner sympathy from their friends over the loss of that boyfriend/girlfriend who was without question "the one" after that deep and meaningful two week relationship, which they thought was solid as a rock. Kids also use social media at a high rate to consume news and to stay up to date on current global events. Utilizing social media is their preferred method of doing so, in fact. I think it's worth noting that it is important to a high rate of students that they stay current with what is happening in the world. I found this 2017 survey below to be interesting, particularly the portion discussing how kids get their news.
Students use social media. While this is certainly not a groundbreaking realization, it may be surprising to know that many students are using social media more than to just garner sympathy from their friends over the loss of that boyfriend/girlfriend who was without question "the one" after that deep and meaningful two week relationship, which they thought was solid as a rock. Kids also use social media at a high rate to consume news and to stay up to date on current global events. Utilizing social media is their preferred method of doing so, in fact. I think it's worth noting that it is important to a high rate of students that they stay current with what is happening in the world. I found this 2017 survey below to be interesting, particularly the portion discussing how kids get their news.
Common Sense Media - Infographic.pdfRegardless of where they get their news, students are obviously attracted to social media. So the question would then be, "Why not harness that love for social media and bring it to the classroom?" Whether as part of a larger assignment or a lesson all to its own, bringing into the classroom the technology with which they are so familiar with outside of the classroom should yield some creative results! Here are a few resources I like to use!
Regardless of where they get their news, students are obviously attracted to social media. So the question would then be, "Why not harness that love for social media and bring it to the classroom?" Whether as part of a larger assignment or a lesson all to its own, bringing into the classroom the technology with which they are so familiar with outside of the classroom should yield some creative results! Here are a few resources I like to use!
"Google Slides" Templates
"Google Slides" Templates
Whether a character from literature or history, the templates below provide an easy and creative way for students to dive into the life of their figure. In addition to the basic character overview assignment, try having students create a page promoting an event from history or from a novel. (Seneca Falls Convention event page) Another good lesson idea is to have students reflect on an alternate version of history were an event not to have played out as it really did and to create a character profile based on that revised version. (George Washington if Britain had won the Revolutionary War)
"Facebook" Template
"Facebook" Template
1. Above is an example of a blank template.
2. Above is an example of a completed template.
"Twitter" Template
"Twitter" Template
1. Above is an example of a blank template.
2. Above is an example of a completed template.
Fake Messaging
Fake Messaging
A really fun way for students to connect with a character is to create a hypothetical conversation between that character and someone else. Even more appealing would be to have that conversation take place via text, which they are all so keen on. The website below allows that to be accomplished quite easily. Check out the site by clicking the link below. Then check out the example!
1. Fake conversation between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.
Fake Tweets
Fake Tweets
In addition to fake text messaging to show knowledge of content, another fun activity is to blast out multiple "Tweets." The website below allows the user to customize their "Tweet" with pictures, dates, and text. I typically instruct students to download their "Tweets" as images and then insert the downloaded images into a "Google Doc" for submission. Check out the website by clicking on the link below. Then check out the example!
Report abuse