Digitally French

Digitally French

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Snapchat in the Class

Two weeks ago I shared a link from "Education Week Teacher" about using Snapchat in the classroom.  After reading a few more articles, I have decided to use it in 2016-2017.  Then, we will decide whether or not to ever do it again!  LOL.



But first, I still (probably like many of you) need to learn how to use the App.  You can learn how to do anything on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sntEyrviFk
This was a great basic video on how to use the App for someone new to Snapchat - aka ME.

Main Ideas:
1.  Don't add your students!  We don't care what they are doing on Snapchat and our use of snapchat will be more successful if they know we are NOT looking at their stories.   This will be one-way communication.  I believe this is ideal for distancing yourself from potentially inappropriate exchanges.

2.  Have all students with a Snapchat account add you.  They see your story and they can send you assignments without you having to see their stories.

3.  Don't make snapchat accounts a mandatory element to the curriculum.  Group work can still be done and assignments turned in with only one person in the group who has an account.  Viewing your story will therefore be an additional resource to enhance lessons and to review taught material.

4.  If you choose to use Snapchat in the class - make it classroom only.  Leave your family life out of it.  For example:  I personally use Facebook for family, Instagram for my hobbies and blogs, Twitter for my students and my professional development, and now Snapchat for classroom enhancement.



Here is a great link from a Spanish Teacher with ideas that could apply to any curriculum:
http://ditchthattextbook.com/2016/04/11/15-ways-to-use-snapchat-in-classes-and-schools/

My Favorite Ideas: (But read the whole article if you are getting interested in using Snapchat next year)
1.  Use your story for "Test Review."

2.  Use your story for reminders!

3.  The Virtual Study Session:  Create a 10 snaps in your story with the top things to remember before a quiz or test.

4.  10 second Movies: Students can create a 10 second movie about a key concept and then can send it to you.  Great application lesson.

5.  Student Take-Over:  Awesome Idea.  With strict guidelines, allow students to take over your account and create a story to share with all of your followers using only the target language.

6.  Speech Bubbles:  Students can take a picture and add a speech bubble in the target language and send it to you.

And my own idea:
1. Student speaking practice in 10 seconds or less and send to the teacher...not viewable by anyone else...and private!


Need More Ideas:  Just go to PINTREST...holy moly!

Need more convincing:  watch these language learning samples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiWLuWlr_5I


There!  
Now, follow me on Snapchat!
stillingsfrench


Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Teachers are starting to use Snapchat...should I?...should You?

Pondering this question during my first week of summer vacation and how it could enhance/hurt, make me better/stress me out more for the next school year.  Read the story and decide for yourself:

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2016/06/teachers_snapchat_guide.html?qs=math