A Whole Lot of Sharing Going On!

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY: MEDIA SHARING

Alright, so this week's topic is, for lack of a better word, VERY BROAD! Social media sharing. This topic covers what I have been learning about for the past two months and then some. Here are some of my thoughts on Social Media Sharing:

WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

According to Wikipedia (sorry, I know it is not the "be all, end all" of research databases, but I'm new to the Wiki-world and am loving it!) "Social media are primarily Internet-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings.^[1][2] The term most often refers to activities that integrate technology, social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio. This interaction, and the manner in which information is presented, depends on the varied perspectives and "building" of shared meaning among communities, as people share their stories and experiences." Simply put, it is the sharing of EVERYTHING with other human beings with the capability to not only share but to respond and construct meaning as a social interaction.
I have been doing just this by blogging, wiki(ing?), using Flickr, and just now, using Voicethreads.

SO, WHAT'S NEW?

">What's new? Voice Threads, that's what! Up until now, I had been exploring Web 2.0 tools that I had at least heard of. This week is the first time that I had ever heard of Voice Threads. So what is Voice Thread? Voice Thread is like Wiki, Flickr, and Podcasting in one! The purpose is to be able to upload an image and invite people to join you in a conversation about that image. You can also choose how you would like to participate in the discussion. You can type comments, record your voice, "doodle" on the picture, or even record a video of your discussion. I've posted my Voice Thread on this blog, so please, feel free to join in my discussion!

OK, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE?

">Yes! As a matter of fact, there is. Jumpcut. This is a social media sharing site where you can upload pictures, video, and audio and create movies. If you have ever used a program called Nero, you will love Jumpcut. It is very similar to Nero in how you edit your clips and add audio and effects to your product. You can drop in and visit my page on Jumpcut here.

ALL FUN AND GAMES? CLASSROOM APPLICATIONS.............

href="http://deeppersonalization.wikispaces.com/Participatory+Pedagogy">Participatory pedagogy: The idea that students will receive a richer educational experience through "interactive experience and communication".

I remember many things from my elementary and high school experience, but there are many things that I memorized for a test and then promptly forgot. I used to call it a "mind dump". I would cram the night before and then "dump" it onto my scantron or essay sheet and then move on to the next unit. Some of the most important, life altering lessons, I learned through interactions with my peers. Drama class, peer counseling, student council and other socially focussed activities.

What educators are trying to do by bringing social media sharing into the classrooms is combining the best of both worlds: the interests of their students, interaction and adult support. I could go on to list practical applications of Jumpcut and Voice Threads but, I would just be repeating myself. Blogging, Flickr, Wikis, and all other social media can be used in the same ways, you just need to choose the tool that best matches the interests and abilities in your classroom. It is the most recent way to differentiate your instruction. Many educators have embraced this idea with enthusiasm and energy.


KEEPING IT ALL STRAIGHT............

">Alright, so now I have all these great (and free) tools at my disposal. I know how to use them and I am ready to bring them into my classroom as well as share the tools with my friends......but wait, who is going to want to join the many communities that I just have to access ALL of these tools........ I came across this website, Emokoo. It seemed to be the answer to my Web 2.0 woes. It is ANOTHER community, but it integrates all other communities, such as Blogger, You Tube, and Flickr. A one stop shop for your social media sharing needs! I was very excited, except, when I tried to join, I was turned away with a message stating that they are no longer accepting new memberships at this time! Argghhhh! I tried to find another site that made the same promises as Emokoo, but I have yet to find another. I will keep you posted on the status of my quest...... In the mean time, I plan to share as must as I can on my blog so that I have a central place to send my new experiments.