I took this opportunity to interview 2 GEN Z students one was a 12 year old male and the other a 14 year old female.
I am not sure why I waited this long. I learned quite a bit.
Student A: Social Media is going to take over the world.
Me: Would you be okay in a world with no social media?
Student A: I would struggle without social media, but yes I would survive.
Me: Does social media affect you at all?
Student A: Social media is a distraction at times, because I would rather be on TikTok than doing my homework.
Me: What is your favorite Social Media platform?
Student A: My favorite social media site is TikTok, because there are a lot of funny videos to watch.
Me: Do any of your teachers implement any social media platforms in their instruction?
Student A: My school does not use a social media platform for instruction, but they do show us You Tube videos sometimes.
Me: Would you prefer your teachers to use social media in their instruction?
Student A: I would like my teachers to add some type of social media platform to the learning material, it would make learning more fun and interesting.
Interview with 14 year old female aka Student B:
Me: How do you feel about social media?
Student B (female 14): Social Media is important to me because I can chat and interact with my friends and stay in touch with them,
Me: Would you be okay in a world with no social media?
Student B: No it would be a tremendous struggle for me.
Me: Does social media affect you at all?
Student B: I have had a few issues with cyber bullying via social media, but I am more mature than that and don't let it bother me.
Me: What is your favorite Social Media platform?
Student B: My favorite social media site is Snap Chat, because it keeps me connected at all times with my friends and cousins and share pictures and places I visit.
Me: Do any of your teachers implement any social media platforms in their instruction?
Student B: Not as much as I would prefer.
Me: Do you shop online?
Student B: Yes, I like to browse the following stores online; Hollister, Aerie, Dick's Sporting Goods, SHEIN, Aeropostale, and Adidas.
It is interesting with what we have learned about GEN Z'ers and how implementing technology in the classroom offers so many benefits. However not more educators are providing students with these new ways to offer students the information they need in a way they prefer. In the book notes from Marching Off the Map, by Tim Elmore, it states ways we can connect with the Gen Z; by keeping our lessons short and to the point, add some visual aspect to the lesson, give them ownership over their learning, make your lessons interactive. Which connects to the characteristics of today's kids being; realistic, overwhelmed, private, entrepreneurial, open minded, and reliant on technology, sums up the idea that the use of technology in classrooms is the new way to get them engaged and motivated in their learning process.
When I heard these interview responses, I was surprised that not more social media platforms are being used in the classroom, so I read an article about the benefits of using technology in the classroom. I have attached the link below for your reading pleasure.
"Technology is interactive, and students learn by doing, researching, and receiving feedback. This helps students become passionate about what they are learning. For example, they may study geography using interactive software such as Google Maps or Google Earth, instead of looking at a picture."
7 ways technology is impacting modern education
This is great! Thanks for the transcripts!
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