This short documentary examines the role of social media in the lives of teenagers. To the younger generation, social media is more than just a communication tool: it’s a way of life, a sphere in which to explore and create their own universes -- often at the expense of face-to-face interaction. As young Nya enters adulthood, she takes a critical look at how social media has impacted and continues to influence the shaping of her identity, experiences and values.
This short documentary examines the role of social media in the lives of teenagers. To the younger generation, social media is more than just a communication tool: it’s a way of life, a sphere in which to explore and create their own universes -- often at the expense of face-to-face interaction. As young Nya enters adulthood, she takes a critical look at how social media has impacted and continues to influence the shaping of her identity, experiences and values.
Here are some examples of what you can do with social media in the classroom. All of this should seem familiar: it’s what teachers do, except with a different resource. Sometimes, that makes a big difference.
• Have students create a Pinterest board for each other and their families to share their learning.
• Publish your students’ work—such as texts they have written or media they have created— online.
• Connect with experts around the world in various fields to do research, explore careers and see the real-life relevancy of ideas studied in class.
• Engage with their local, regional or national government officials that have an online presence on social media in relation to your unit of study.
• Collaborate across schools, anywhere in the world, directly or through national and international platforms for literature, science, mathematics, arts and other subjects.
• Create a video or text discussion thread on a critical question through a class Twitter or Instagram account.
• Ask your students to share resources (text, images, articles, etc.) found on social media that are relevant to your idea, inquiry or topic of study.
The fact is that your students are using and will continue to use social media. These sites can be used to sell, inform, connect, bully, scare or inspire. You can nurture interest, motivation and engagement for learning and equip your students to be capable and contributing citizens in the 21st century by thoughtfully using social media in your classroom.