Week 7 Post 1

FINALLY!

This was my initial thought when I saw this week's reading focused on designing instruction for social media. Previously, we had a learned a lot about the "what" and the "why" behind social media integration, but this week we finally are digging into the "how." 

When designing instruction for social media, you can still follow the ADDIE model we know and love as instructional designers. However there are some key guiding questions that need to be asked to give you the full SCOPE of the lesson:

• Does the use of social media add value to the learning activity?
• Are the conditions appropriate for using social media for this learning activity and this set of learners?
• Do the objectives relate directly or indirectly to social media use?
• Does the social media based learning environment support pedagogical approaches?
• Will the activity be ethically appropraitte, considering issues related to learner access, privacy, safety, and comfort?

Once you've analayzed the purpose for social media integration, you can move onto the design stage. This includes evaluating all of the logistics needed for proper integartion, however by the end of the desing phase the following should be complete:

• Learning Objectives set
• List of Learning Events (and time needed) set
• Learning Content identified
• Tools identified
• Assessment format and content identified 

The development stage requires you to consider everything your students will need to access or interact with the social media based learning. Development can occur concurrently to design. Things you may need to develop when teaching with social media are directions and tutorials. Learners must know what is expected of them in the dynamic learning environment and how to use the tools you are requiring of them. Target Artifacts are a key way to show students what is expected of them. This creates a ledge for your students to jump off into the innovative world of social media. It is important to note the learner's themselves will shape the learning environment as they begin to collect, curate, and construct knowledge. However, they will still need assistance in where to start. In the words of Dr. Dennan: no one likes a blank page. Otherwise students might look like Spongebob trying to write an essay as they embark on the new digital landscape.