Instagram and Vine

With all the new apps out there, educators are asking themselves "How can these apps be used in the classroom?" The following apps, Instagram and Vine, are two great apps that educators could easily implement in the class, help jazz up their teaching, and increase student's comprehension by making connections and real word applications. Here are a few ways in which each could be utilized by educators. Instagram can be used for fun contests among students and staff. For example,students and staff could submit the best example of school spirit, or the best example of the seasons, students can show examples of science concepts, like an ecosystem, or biomes. Any class activity that uses a step-by-step process could benefit from being documented via Instagram. For example, take a photo of each step of a science experiment or an art project and add a caption with instructions for that step. Daily journal writing is an excellent way for students to practice their English and composition skills. Photo prompts can also be used for poetry and fiction assignments as well as an interesting lead-in to writing in other subjects. Instagram can document student progress. By snapping photos of student’s writing/work at the beginning and end of the year, students and parents can see student progress-a visual portfolio.

Reviewing for the 7th grade STAAR writing test.

A photo posted by Leslie (@leslieahrens1) on Aug 2, 2015 at 2:39pm PDT

Here is my granddaughter, Lorelai Mae, learning her coloring technique.

A photo posted by Leslie (@leslieahrens1) on Aug 2, 2015 at 2:36pm PDT

The Vine could be used to help students with new vocabulary or for making short book trailers. They could be little snippets about books and perhaps homework assignments. This vine app shows my granddaughter learning new words. The caption did not come up on the blog. Vine