Major Project – Introduction
When I came to Canada and started my Masters I was astonished by seeing my teachers and peers using certain applications for making zoom classes/presentations interesting and interactive. This concept was super new for me. So, I also took some help from them and learned some applications like Pedlet, Mentimeter, Jamboards, Scribjab, etc. I am quick in learning new apps and software but I lack in being a social media-friendly person. I am unaware of new educational and social media apps. I have been using Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn but only for my personal content. I have never tried using it in the context of education.
I come from a civil engineering background and have never used apps for sharing knowledge with students. We have certain designing and calculating softwares but never used applications or social media. This field has certain applications which involve unit conversions, compass, and area measurements. For my major project, I have chosen the “Personal journey into media” option and am planning to review several apps with respect to my field, for class presentations/interactions and also social media.
Firstly, I would like to explore an app that will be helpful for me and my students as a civil engineer. There are many applications available such as unit converters, measure, AR tape measure rulers, etc. but I haven’t decided which one I will review. Hopefully, I will use 2-3 apps for some days and then I will do a deep study of the most useful one. The idea behind this is to help students who lack in mathematics (like me!!!) to complete their measurements/unit conversions easily. Secondly, I am interested in reviewing the pear deck app or Talkwall. I have never used these applications but as I saw its introduction I wanted to learn more about them.
Last but not the least, in context to social media I am planning to learn more about Snapchat or TikTok. I haven’t used both of them. In my country, Tiktok was banned so I have just started using it here in Canada as a scroller only. But I have observed that the younger generation is just obsessed with Snapchat and people are showcasing their talent on Tiktok. I am not a camera-friendly person so, I think I should try to explore any one of these social media applications.
I am new to this world of using applications and social media from an educational point of view. If you all have any thoughts or suggestions please let me know!
-Thank You 🙂
About The Author
Shristy Deep Godara
Educator | Learner | Traveller | Dog Lover
Shirsty, this would be a very big learning curve for you without an educational background, but I am so glad that you are going outside of your comfort zone and learning some new skills for your students. I’m interested to see how you are going to mix social media apps/platforms with other apps that are more specialized for the programming that you deliver. I look forward to following along on your journey!
Hi Shristy!
If you’re thinking about an educational app that is similar, though as my students have told me “not as cool as TikTok”, use Flipgrid! I have had my students do skill analysis’, dance and gymnastics routines, as well as responses to questions/articles/presentations. It is worthwhile to to take a look at especially if your school division does not support TikTok! Good luck!
Hi Shirsty,
I think it is excellent that you bring an additional viewpoint with your background into this class. I think it would be great to explore some hand-on practical tools used in different jobs. You are not alone in being uncomfortable with these social media platforms! I am also not excited to be in front of the camera, but I think if I’m asking my students to do it, I should too!
This is exciting! Using some of the apps you mentioned can have great educational benefits. It is challenging to dive right in, and hopefully, you do not become too addicted to Snap and Tiktok! Good luck and I can’t wait to watch your journey and critiques of these platforms!