We have an 8th grade language arts teacher conducting a project right now around digital footprints. As students are navigating their way through their project I was asked to be interviewed by four students for their project. Their project is focused on helping to educate 5th graders about social media.
During the interview I decided to flip this run of the mill interview where students ask questions that they just want a straightforward answer to get the job done into a conversation. I love social media and I share and discuss my ideas and opinions on social media all the time whether it is here on this site, other channels, or at school. After talking with the students I realized that this conversation needed to be shared. Not because we have answers, but because this chat opens up a conversation that needs to be had. I love talking to students about social media. When you listen to the podcast you will gain a sense that the students were not sure how to answer some of the questions or perhaps they were not sure how they felt on the topic because they perhaps have not thought this way before.
I hope that as I flipped their interview into a chat we spark a movement. I am so excited to see what they develop for their project. Yes, I will be sharing what they create, but in the meantime I hope you reach out. What are your thoughts to these questions discussed in the podcast? What is your opinion about social media?
I would like to open this conversation up to other educators and students. I would love to run a Google Hangout and explore this in more depth. This podcast is the start, the catalyst. The rest of you are the ones that can keep the fire going. We look forward to hearing from you. I will share their work. While we wait, what are other things they should consider? The more perspective the stronger their work will become. I guess in many ways this whole podcast is a social media test and campaign itself. Let us take a listen.
Shownotes and Credits
Music created by 8th grade student Dennibro
Additionally, if you would like to be on the podcast and talk about this topic please let me know as I will be creating a follow up podcast on this topic.
As always, I welcome all ideas and feedback.
I recently read a book about social media with teens by Danah Boyd
Coffeechug Reads It’s Complicated by Danah Boyd http://wp.me/p4covo-NV
I just finished listening to your podcast and really enjoyed it. I think one of the most interesting things that you said is that thinking through actions is not really a social media issue, it is a life issue. Regardless of the situation people need to think about the impression they are making based on their behavior. I think, particularly for digital natives, they don’t make a separation between their online and offline lives. They just live one life in which they do different activities.
Incidentally, I would be happy to participate in a podcast.
@apasseducation