Video and Social Media In the Classroom Presentation
After 2 years of refinement, I’m ready to share the approaches I’ve used to promote engagement and critical thinking in the classroom. I truly believe we are in an educational crisis right now and it’s alarming how little discussion is taking place. Our economy has fundamentally shifted from that of a passive consumer base to an active producer base. In other words, 21st Century business models are based on collaborative interactions.
There is no one size fits all any more in education. During the industrial age, when our educational system was formed, employment was far simpler. We needed widget makers to work in our factories and you could graduate from high school and get decent job with a few rudimentary skills.
In today’s economy that’s simply not good enough. The most in demand jobs 5 years from now, quite likely don’t exist today. We have to teach our students to constantly synthesize information and adapt to new technologies and processes. In short, they have to become critical thinkers who can identify value and take bold action when necessary.
Media Mash Ups
My methodology is based on what I call the “Mash Up” approach. I ask students to show mastery of key concepts and terms using media and communications skills. It could be a blog, a podcast, a song, a survey or in these cases videos. The mash up approach allows students to think critically and then take ownership of a concept. They move beyond simply parroting definitions to in depth analysis, synthesis and evaluation – all higher level thinking skills.
My methodology is based on what I call the “Mash Up” approach. I ask students to show mastery of key concepts and terms using media and communications skills. It could be a blog, a podcast, a song, a survey or in these cases videos. The mash up approach allows students to think critically and then take ownership of a concept. They move beyond simply parroting definitions to in depth analysis, synthesis and evaluation – all higher level thinking skills.
Using this approach in a social media setting (in this case on the Ning platform) allows students to easily share their work and exchange feedback not only with their classmates but if you choose to, with their parents, mentors and community members.
Find more videos like this on Media Xperiments
Find more videos like this on Media Xperiments
