Arguments or debates on social media are quickly becoming an important method of data and information. A good debate shows both sides of the argument and doesn't lean one way or another. Readers must make sure to evaluate all sides of an argument; not just the side they favor. They should also make sure the information is accurate. Procon.org published an argument showing the pros and cons of tablets vs textbooks.
- Pro: 81% of teachers surveyed feel that tablets enrich learning
- Pro: Digital textbooks on tablets cost 50-60% less than published textbooks
- Pro: Tablets provide many features not available in a paper textook
- Pro: Tablets prepare students for a world of technology
- Con: Classroom distractions
- Con: Many students can't access tablets at home due to lack of internet access
- Con: Tablets can allow students to cheat or cut corners on homework or assignments
To see the other pros and cons of tablets vs textbooks visit Procon.org.
Teachers are tasked with the duty, in the 21st century classroom, of teaching students how to use social media responsibly (Hick, 2013). Young people spend all day reading and writing text messages, tweets, and status updates but they don't feel this is actual reading or writing. Teachers have to express to students how important their voice is and how powerful these "short text" entries on social media are (Turner, Hicks, 2017). Turner and Hicks discuss the MINDFUL approach to social media. Monitor, Identify, Note, Determine, Facts, Understand, and Leverage. When using this approach, students take the time necessary to properly evaluate the information they are writing, reading, or sharing on social media (Turner, Hicks, 2017).
Tablets vs. Textbooks - ProCon.org. (2017, February 7). Retrieved April 18, 2018, from
https://tablets-textbooks.procon.org/
Troy, H. (2013). Crafting digital writing: Composing texts across media and genres. Portsmouth,
NH: Heinemann.
Turner, K. H., & Hicks, T. (2017). Argument in the real world: Teaching adolescents to read and
write digital texts. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
The growth of social media use over the last ten years has been substantial. I am actually surprised though that the number is not higher than 69%. However, I have heard several teachers that are admimate about staying off social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Turner and Hicks (2017) stated that many digital consumers are spreading false information because they do not take the time to question what they are reading. As educators, we need to teach students to analyze, critique, and question everything they read. With the Internet and the use of social media, we need to realize that everything written or created on the Internet ... does not make it 100% accurate.
ReplyDeleteTracy, your list of pros and cons are interesting. I think the concern over social media as a distraction and an opportunity for students to cheat are two things that can be addressed through properly training students, especially at an early age. Hicks (2013) concludes that we are living in an era in which mobile devices and increasing access to the Internet provide our students(at least outside school)with countless opportunities to produce and consume content for wider and wider audiences. The video below details how a school in Chicago addresses their technological concerns. It is a little lengthy but it has some great information you can take from it.
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/Aya43MnWTxQ