Jeff Young

Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Radio Host

The Changing Landscape: Social Media in Education

by 4 Comments

Times are changing.

Exponentially.

Did you know that there are jobs today that did not exist 10 years ago? 5 years ago? Even a year ago?

Technology is changing not only the way we do business, but also business itself. Business is not the only thing that is changing, however. Education is changing too.

What are we educators doing to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world?

As a teacher and a social media fanatic, I have witnessed the reluctance of many administrators and teachers to embrace new technology as a way to connect with “the learner.” Not everybody. But I have seen a general fear of new technology. Perhaps it’s just overwhelming.

Is there a way to bring social media into the classroom to connect more effectively with students, thereby enabling them to learn more effectively?

I think so.

There is more to come on this topic. But, until then, check out this video on the impact of social media on the “traditional” education model. It’s well worth a view.

  • sarahreinhard

    I know I'm the weird one, but I don't usually like embedded videos. I watched this one, though, and almost watched it a second time. VERY powerful, and a good reminder to PARENTS as well as educators (we are the first educators of our children, after all). Thanks for sharing this, Jeff.

  • Tell me about it. That's what I compete with — both as an educator and a parent. Sometimes I think I'm losing that battle, but I realize that maybe, just maybe, I can learn something here that makes me a better teacher — and if not a better parent, as least a better communicator with my “plugged in ” kids.

    Thanks for your good work, Jeff.

  • Maria,

    Yeah, this is a topic that is close to my heart. As a teacher (former?), I want to use everything I can to reach my students. I have had fellow teachers and administrators tell me that the introduction of technology into the classroom has not demonstrated an increase in learning nor improved student performance. They refer to “studies” that have been done. But, it seems to me that they forget one important fact: motivation. If the content of my new media lessons do not improve student performance, perhaps the medium will attract the student's attention and motivate him to apply himself… in a way that he wouldn't do otherwise. For better or for worse, much of traditional education today is in some way “edutainment.” If we cannot keep the students' attention, we don't stand a chance of helping them to learn.

    By the way, you are a new media maven in your own right. And thanks for your input and inspiration!

  • Well, Sarah, I am glad that you decided to watch this particular video. I think it opens up what we consider traditional education and places it on a “world stage.”

    Everything in life contributes to our education… and forms who we are. Ahhhh… Aristotle. I love Aristotle. “Our actions reveal who we are, and they form who we are.” But I digress. What does morality have to do with education, right?

    Thanks for the comment!