Instagram has proven to be both helpful and fun, both in my personal and professional life. Its a great way to share photos and brief captions. I can see some instances when Instagram could be used as a tool to promote learning through the use of photos for writing prompts or sharing of ideas. But I feel the greatest value in Instagram in the classroom is to create a stronger sense of community and promote all of the great things students are doing. Below you can see one example of how I have used Instagram to connect with my community by showcasing my students' talents outside of the classroom. Supporting the talents of my kiddos has always been important to me for it creates a strong relationship, and where there is great relationship there can be great learning!
Here is another example of how I have promoted student work and the things happening in my classroom through the use of Instagram. My students published a book, and this was their book release celebration.
Flipagram - Vigo Video
Of the three programs I explored today, Flipagram was my least favorite. Though I had heard of it before, I had not previously downloaded it. I quickly realized that the Flipagram app is not actually social media, but it appears as though it's replacement is Vigo Video. Flipagram can be used to create videos, but not share them. In my Vigo Video account, I uploaded a video of my students demonstrating Punctuation Ballet. This was a multi-sensory movement activity to help them remember how to correctly use quotation marks.
Screencastomatic
I have previously used Screencastify, and Screencastomatic is a very similar product. The below video demo of ideas for using Padlet is a little stilted, but you get the gist of how this product could be used to support learning of students or staff. I need a little more practice, and I would highly suggest the use of an outline or script before beginning a recording. This is a program that could be used to create tutorials for students and/or staff, or be used by students to demonstrate learning or create tutorials for one another.
Of all the forms of social media I spent time exploring today, I see the most educational value in Screencastomatic. It is flexible and can be used to share a variety of information in a variety of ways. I still Instagram as a great way for connecting as a learning community. But when evaluating based on the potential for educational contribution, Screencastomatic presents the largest variety of uses.
I too think that screencasts have alot of value and uses to them. I think it would be a great way to share technology with students, staff, and parents. I found Screencast-O-Matic easy to use and it was easy to share too.
ReplyDeleteI had trouble sharing my Vigo Video. First, I had to save it to my Google drive, then get a URL code to post it into Blogger. It took many steps to get it posted. As busy educators, we don't have hours to make a video, then post. I think Instagram is faster and easier.
I disliked Flipagram, too, and I was confused by the Flipagram/Vigo Video switch. I think Instagram is a much easier way to utilize making videos for social media, and my kids use it often, so I feel like it's a better tool for reaching the masses at this time.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your use of Instagram in your classroom. It is something that I have stayed away from simply because of the problems it causes within the student population at my school - but I see that I may have to give it some more thought. Great positive interaction!!!
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