Digital Media in the Classroom

        Digital media is being used in schools more and more. In elementary schools, teachers are using smart boards to allow the students to interact with the material  that they are learning. Smart Boards are also used in middle schools along with handheld keypads for class activities. Many students are able to access websites, like Schoology, from their home computers, making the learning experience even more dynamic. The use of digital media is even more common in high schools. At Douglas County High School, student are able to "Bring Their Own Technology" and be able to connect to the school's Wi-Fi network. This allows the students to access digital media in the classroom. This is very helpful in classrooms where the lessons are technology based. 

     

             While it is common for teacher to used digital media for their lessons, you will rarely see a class sitting on their phones, browsing the internet for fun. It is important that social and digital media is used to PROMOTE a positive learning environment, rather than harm it. This is why it is important for there to be rules put in place for internet and media use in the classroom. I think that it is very good that the student get to use technology at school, because our world is becoming more digital and they will need to know how to incorporate technology in their daily lives when they work in the business place. 

Social Networking Apps

          The social networking applications that I use the most are probably Facebook and Instagram. I used to use my twitter very often, but I don't really use it as much anymore because it was taking up my time. I mainly use Facebook to keep up with school clubs and stay up to date with volunteer activities. I probably go on Facebook every few days and I'll use it for about five minutes. I use Instagram much more often. I use Instagram to share moments in my life with friends and see other people's pictures. I use the Instagram app on my phone almost everyday, but I don't post very many pictures. A lot of my friends use Instagram and almost everyone has a Facebook. 

       I definitely think that social media has changed my life as well as many others. Facebook has made communication between me and my classmates a whole lot easier. Without social media applications like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, information would not spread as quickly. I recent example is the Boston Marathon Bombing. Because of social media applications (along with television), nearly all of America knew about the Boston Marathon bombing within a few hours. It is amazing what social media application have done for our lives.