THE SOCIALLY NETWORKED CLASSROOM

 Both the chapters were interesting to read, while reading these chapters, reminded me of the current COVID situation and how schools are hybrid and online for a long period of time, may be even full school year. 

Social media, which has become essential for all of us, and now has entered into education as well. Facebook pages are often used by institutions to communicate campus events and activities to students and to try to promote campus engagement. Using Facebook may not be so comfortable compared to other educational websites. There are many other social networking websites which work great for education. Most of the education curriculum include game app like BrainPOP for educating students. Educators believe through games; students can learn a variety of important skills. There are countless skills that students can develop through game playing such as critical thinking skills, creativity, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Many schools use these apps during their school hours as a part of their curriculum. We learn so much through games. Long back while playing with keyboard buttons I learnt how to lock/unlock the keyboard through only one key button. I never knew about this even being a computer science student. 

COVID has changed education dramatically, increasing the use of elearning. This is giving struggle for the students who are not able to access internet or don’t have any technology like iPad, laptops. Most schools are providing technology support to students to participate in digital learning. The major advantage of hybrid classes is that this forum allows some flexibility to students with multiple responsibilities to maximize their time. Instead of commuting to school various times per week, individuals have the option logging on from a more convenient location to complete their coursework. Looking at the current situation where most students are divided between online and hybrid classes. Educators teach remote and in-person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software. Though it is convenient, the over sight from the teachers is required in the virtual classroom and currently there is lot of pressure on students and their parents, but the technology need to be developed to have control of classroom.

I found an interesting question in the book, what will our schools look like one hundred years from now? I had read an article recently similar to this and would like to share. https://hundred.org/en/articles/the-next-100-years-of-education-what-does-the-future-hold