Using Digital Storytelling in Education

This is an introduction to my classroom via digital storytelling.  Viewing this video will give you information on what to expect in my classroom and what it will be like.  If you are interested in creating your own Digital Story you can click here to go to PhotoPeach, which is the website that I used. Welcome to Mr. Drifmeyer's Jurassic Jungle!

Social Media

• The way that the world is progressing today, social media is almost a crucial tool to becoming a great teacher.  The generation today will not know a time when computers were unavailable, and surfing the internet will be like second nature to them.  The best way to reach any child today is through the internet, where they already are involved.  Meet the child where they are and earn the right to be heard. In the article "Social Networking Goes to School" by Michelle R. Davis, Principal Eric C. Sheninger from New Milford High School in New Jersey, once an antagonist of social networks, tells how he now supports them to the fullest.
• Two potential drawback to this, at least at this point, is running into the few parents who are against the internet and the lack of computers in every home.  To a parent who is not technology savvy, using social media can seem unprofessional and might even embarrass tat parent.  As a young teacher it will seem even more as if we are immaturely using tools that don't really work.  Also it is often forgotten that not every home has a computer and this is something that will need to be considered, especially when working in a lower income community.  
• Two very useful social media tools are twitter and blogs.  Twitter is a great tool to give students and parents a simple reminder or update on what is coming up in the classroom.  As a college student some of my teachers have actually used this tool and it has proven to be effective.  Even the simple reminder to bring a laptop to class can save a student a rough class period.  Blogs are great tools in which teachers can give a detailed summary or outline of what is going to be happening in the future of the class.