The rapid arrival and meteoric popularity of social media has led many school boards to position themselves on its use.
Some, like the Commission scolaire des Patriotes, block social media sites. However, it analyzes the experiences of other institutions and will subsequently determine how it intends to use them. At the Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Board, the policy on this subject is also being revised in order to better regulate the use of social media. Some sites could be released for specific educational projects. "We are trying to limit inappropriate use and we want to ensure that social networks are not consulted ad nauseam during school hours, ”explains spokesperson Jean-Michel Nahas.
Social media has pitfalls and opportunities, agrees company Mario Asselin Opossum, which offers technological training in schools. When a teacher needs their students' undivided attention, it can be a problematic distraction. On the other hand, when it comes to cooperation and research, they are very useful. In addition, with limited knowledge, social media makes it possible to write for the planet rather than for the teacher, which greatly motivates young people, he notes.
At the Commission scolaire de Montréal, we have chosen to allow the use of social media. This gave rise to a few projects, such as the completion of several videos at Saint-Émile elementary school, some of which lip dub. This initiative was notably carried out by Emmanuel Bernet, a teacher who carried out his doctoral thesis on the impact of new technologies on student motivation. In addition to helping to motivate and strengthen the sense of belonging, the achievement of lip dub allows you to acquire skills in new technologies, in French and in drama, argues the school principal, Sylvie Bertrand.
Other inspiring projects
At De Rochebelle high school in Quebec City, David Martel for his part introduced his students to Twitter last fall. He benefited from App educational experience programle, but the students are so connected that it is not essential, he believes. The teacher enjoyed the experience and intends to do it again. “It made it possible to create a collaborative space where young people can ask questions to all the students. It creates a very interesting dynamic and it enriched the course, ”he says. In France, Laurence Juin also shares on her blog her experience of Twitter with her students.
Still in France, Françoise Cahen for her part invited her students to study a literary work ... with Facebook. The kids created personality tests and created character Facebook profiles! The experiment was held as part of the i-voice project, a blog created by students.
In Quebec, videoconferences and discussion forums also allow schools in remote regions to break their isolation and create a richer learning environment, as CEFRIO researchers have observed with the project. Distant school network.
Listening
In addition, schools that really want to listen to their students must be present on social media, says Mr. Asselin. “Young people are in social media. School is one of their talking points. School, which disconnects from the conversation, is as if it is missing part of its ear, ”he explains.
Get our Info #DevProf and l'Hebdo so you don't miss anything new!