Successfully Integrating Snapchat
As an educator who's worked in three different districts, I've gathered that utilizing technology as an interactive tool can be a double-edged sword. Unfortunately, there have been instances where awful things happen between adults and students when using technology, but it doesn't have to be this way. Educators don't have to be afraid of using technology as an interactive tool like I was. It's all in how the foundation is laid
I also consider myself a public servant because I'm a teacher. And with that service, a certain etiquette is required. The classroom is definitely not what it used to be, and technology seems to challenge the appropriateness of classic boundaries. I am an avid Remind user, have used it as a form of two-way communication, recorded and sent sound bites, and shared pictures as well. It has revolutionized and facilitated how I interact with my students. I also strongly encourage parents to sign up to the class Remind. As a student, I remember being enthralled with chat rooms and email; however, this generation gravitates more to apps like Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. Shorter, faster, simpler.
I recently came across a blog entry from Shannon McClintock Miller titled, "A Little Snapchat for Poetry Month... And All Year Long From The Library Voice" and was pleasantly surprised to see librarians tapping in to this new technology.
Setting the ground rules for anything in the classroom establishes structure and expectation. This has to be done at first, and I would also recommend modeling what is expected when sharing. It can be counterproductive or ineffective if this step is missed. As a teacher, I see myself using Snapchat as a tool for reminders on classroom tasks, short summaries on grammar and literary analysis lessons, and sharing information about an author or a novel synopsis. Also, Snapchat can make introducing vocabulary or expanding on a term interactive, fun, and inviting when students have doubts or comments. I also like it for extra credit and to expand the reach of students in honors or pre-advanced placement classes. Finally, I could also use it a celebratory tool for a school club or academic team. I use Remind in some of these capacities already and will use it as a base or guide when incorporating Snapchat.
I found comfort and affirmation in my teaching practices when I saw McClintock's Padlet on different Snapchat activities titled:
I use other technologies very similarly and have had success with a "less is more" approach. Teachers and librarians can use these activities to strengthen classroom dynamic and promote advocacy in the library. I find it a powerful resource for those looking to integrate its uses.
I also consider myself a public servant because I'm a teacher. And with that service, a certain etiquette is required. The classroom is definitely not what it used to be, and technology seems to challenge the appropriateness of classic boundaries. I am an avid Remind user, have used it as a form of two-way communication, recorded and sent sound bites, and shared pictures as well. It has revolutionized and facilitated how I interact with my students. I also strongly encourage parents to sign up to the class Remind. As a student, I remember being enthralled with chat rooms and email; however, this generation gravitates more to apps like Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. Shorter, faster, simpler.
I recently came across a blog entry from Shannon McClintock Miller titled, "A Little Snapchat for Poetry Month... And All Year Long From The Library Voice" and was pleasantly surprised to see librarians tapping in to this new technology.
Setting the ground rules for anything in the classroom establishes structure and expectation. This has to be done at first, and I would also recommend modeling what is expected when sharing. It can be counterproductive or ineffective if this step is missed. As a teacher, I see myself using Snapchat as a tool for reminders on classroom tasks, short summaries on grammar and literary analysis lessons, and sharing information about an author or a novel synopsis. Also, Snapchat can make introducing vocabulary or expanding on a term interactive, fun, and inviting when students have doubts or comments. I also like it for extra credit and to expand the reach of students in honors or pre-advanced placement classes. Finally, I could also use it a celebratory tool for a school club or academic team. I use Remind in some of these capacities already and will use it as a base or guide when incorporating Snapchat.
I found comfort and affirmation in my teaching practices when I saw McClintock's Padlet on different Snapchat activities titled:
IDEAS AND PROJECTS FOR USING SNAPCHAT IN THE LIBRARY, CLASSROOM & WITHIN EDUCATION
I use other technologies very similarly and have had success with a "less is more" approach. Teachers and librarians can use these activities to strengthen classroom dynamic and promote advocacy in the library. I find it a powerful resource for those looking to integrate its uses.
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