Remodeling using social media through feminist pedagogies

Using social media (Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, etc.) is a wonderful way to engage students. However, a good understanding of media literacy is essential to effectively use them. The Association for Media Literacy should be an essential resource for all teachers!

The Feminist Pedagogies blog offers tons of useful ideas (click on the "Blog" tab at the top). Investigate them - many are students' contributions with detailed ideas for how to use social media well; all with a feminist twist. There are two sorts of ideas in the blog:

• Social media that can be used as content (e.g., specific Youtube clips and suggestions for their use); and
• Social media as a learning tool (e.g., how to use Twitter as a means to enhance a lesson using film on another topic)

Reviewing the ideas on the blog will provide you with a toolbox of ideas that you can apply to current and future lessons.

When using social media, be mindful of the "digital divide," and do not assume that students have access to SmartPhones or computers in or outside the classroom. Make sure that you do a quick diagnostic assessment to ensure all have the minimum technological proficiency and access required for your task.