The Learning Power of Twitter

Check out these two INFOGRAPHICS:

http://www.bitrebels.com/social/the-140-character-fix-twitter-addiction-explained-infographic/

http://www.bitrebels.com/social/the-twitter-environmental-effect-a-unique-doomsday-infographic/

http://www.bitrebels.com/social/a-visual-history-of-twitter-infographic/

A) Explain each of the above INFOGRAPHICS. Write it or come tell me or Ms. P.

B) Take a look at Twitter. Find out through using it, or through researching it (Google etc.) how it can be a powerful learning tool.

1. What could you use it for to learn about? Be specific.
2. What's a hashtag (#) and how does it work on Twitter?
3. How could you be an interactive part of that learning?
4. Could you post your Lord of the Rings Powerpoint on Twitter? What hashtag would you use?
5. Could it be used for school? How?


Let's start a hashtag #psci10eng   And then share our powerpoints in there. We can also give our answers to the above questions by tweeting them. Hint. You will have to upload it to the internet in some way (I use gmail) so that you can give us the link.

Current Events- What is MEDIA

Media, in the past, meant NEWSPAPERS, TELEVISION, and RADIO. Today it includes the internet, all advertising from commercials to billboards and ads on the sides of buses.

MEDIA means ALL FORMS OF MASS COMMUNICATION IN SOCIETY.

It's important because it lets us know what is going on in our communities and in the world, and it is the main way we INFLUENCE EACH OTHER. Remember KONY 2012? That is a perfect example of mass influence using mass media.

Here's an INFOGRAPHIC on how people get their news. Each person in the class must be able to explain this INFOGRAPHIC to me:

Social Media and the NEWS

HERE IS YOUR ACTIVITY. YOU WILL BE CONTINUING THIS ACTIVITY FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WHENEVER WE COME TO THE LAB.

Research a current event that is going on in the world today. Some events include: Iran vs. U.S., London Olympics 2012, The Environment, the use of drones for military purpose, African issues (starvation, wars, remember KONY ? etc.), how technology is transforming our societies, the economy- jobs etc.


The event could be local, national or international


1. GO to several online newspapers. Start with HUFFINGTON POST,  CBC, THE STAR, and AL JAZEERA.


2. USe the articles, the videos, anything to learn about a current event of your choice. You may have to learn some BACKGROUND to the story in order really understand it.


3. Get your choice approved.


4. Explain the news story to me and plan to follow it using several news websites. Some news stories are good to follow with Twitter.

There are lots more current events that will continue to be in the media in the next few months.

Choose an issue that you know will have updated stories and FOLLOW IT. You can use Google search engine, Twitter or the major media online newspapers such as THE STAR, THE GLOBE AND MAIL. THE GUARDIAN, THE TELEGRAPH, THE NEW YORK TIMES, HUFFINGTON POST, ALJAZEERA, BBC, CBC, RT, CNN...

Your current event must be approved and it must be an news story that will continue to be in the media.

Media and Social Media

You're going to find 3 different current event stories. First, find a LOCAL story, understand it, then tell me about it. LOCAL means Orillia area or Simcoe County area. An example might be about a new garbage dump, or a murder in Oro, etc.

Then find a NATIONAL story, learn about it and report it to me. A NATIONAL story is of interest to all Canadians- a Canada story. A national story might be about politics and Prime Minister Harper.

Finally find a WORLD CURRENT EVENT, learn about it, and report it. A WORLD EVENT is one that matters to all countries. For example an oil spill in the ocean, or the Japan nuclear disaster from last year.

Using Info-Graphics

1. Your job is to find an INFO-GRAPHIC, read it, understand it, and explain it to me. Here are some examples. You may use one of these if you like:


What Happens on the Internet in a Typical Day?

Here's another one:


What is CISPA?


And another:


Social Media's Growing Impact on Relationships


Another:


Air Pollution Around the World

And, again:


Why Social Media is not a Waste of Time

Found another one!!:


Do you know how to use Social Media??

2. Write a journal about a half a page long on the team work of making the bridge on Tuesday. How did it go? What were your team's successes and failures? How was your participation as a group member? What are some other experiences you have had being in a group? Do you enjoy group work or would you rather work alone?