Leading With Digital and Social Media Tools in the Classroom

Class is in session! I enjoyed week 7's tools and readings because I can see many of them in my work as an instructor for various undergraduate leadership courses. I explored Dr. Dennen's manuscript about Instructional Design and Development for Social Media Lessons. This was related to increasing my pedagogical knowledge and practices. This course has allowed me to re-imagine how I am creating a learning environment that includes technology-based tools that can reach the students I teach. Many of my students are part of a generation that relies heavily on digital and social media, so it is essential to incorporate aspects of technology into the classroom. I liked how Dr. Dennen defined instructors as designers, further confirming the concept of an instructional designer, which is pivotal in fostering a learning community best suited for the students in that environment. One class I teach that is an in-person course is Leadership and Change, and an aspect of the course that could be implemented/designed is social media as a way to understand leadership and change. The strategies outlined by Dennen center on incorporating a practical and value-based approach to using social media in lessons. It can be intimidating, but there are factors to consider, including the development process, content collections, target artifacts, use of an anchor platform, and limiting new tools but encouraging exploration. I will continue to reference this manuscript as I go into adding and/or adjusting aspects of my teaching to introduce new digital and social media tools to my students. There is a benefit to using social media as a means of learning. I find that evident in my experience through this course and how it has guided and shaped my thinking lens when critically critiquing other courses. Is it essential for instructors to reevaluate their pedagogical approaches to keep up with digital and social media/technology?

Reference:

Dennen, V. P. (manuscript in progress). Instructional design and development for social media lessons.

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