Final Reflection

As I reflect on my experience in IT 8000, Foundations of Instructional Design and Technology, it is evident that I have successfully evolved my knowledge of my major.  Initially, I have reread my first blog post, which contained my first interpretation of the field of Instructional Design and Technology: "Personally, I define instructional design and technology as the design and implementation of unique learning experiences through technology and systems."

After this course, I feel that I have expanded my definition and understanding of the field to include the fact that IDT is designed to improve instruction and performance in education and training programs.  

Not only have I expanded my understanding of IDT, but I have come to understand the development of the field of Instructional Design and Technology. It proves crucial to understand the theories and processes of learning and using instructional media, which this course has taught me.

Further, IT 8000 has exposed me to project, performance, and knowledge management.  Concepts that I had not yet had an in depth presentation.  These concepts are integral to the process of Instructional Design and Technology and were probably some of the most interesting facets that I was able to obtain from this course.

I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed learning in this course.  It gave me pertinent information that was extremely relevant to my major and the reasons that I chose to undertake it.  

The Future of Social Media

So what is the future for social media?  This year, it replaced pornography as the number one activity to take place on the internet.

Through research and links, it seems the future is unclear, but incredibly bright.  The use of Facebook is in great decline, with some stating that its use is down nearly 34%, however the use of social media is way up.

  Social media could continue to change the landscape of news, education, and business, but how?  Through new technology, such as google glass, greater access to social media will lead to increased use and access of it.

No matter your opinion, it seems social media is here to stay.











http://www.b2bmarketinginsider.com/social-media/what-is-the-future-of-the-social-media-role
http://socialmediatoday.com/starrknight/1423216/future-social-media
http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/social-media-future

CNN Article - Social Media isn't all bad for teens

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/21/living/social-media-positives-teens-parents/index.html?hpt=hp_c4

I actually happened across this article after I finalized my final paper on social media as I was checking news on CNN.  It was very interesting as it presented many positive facts on social media for teenagers from one of the leading news networks, CNN.  From CNN's website:

Of 1000 teenagers surveyed:

• 28% said that social media made them feel more outgoing, versus 5% that said it made them feel more shy.  
• 29% said that social media made them less shy vs. 3% that said it made them feel more shy. 
• 52% said social media has improved friendships, where 4% said it negatively affected friendships.

"For every heartbreaking case of cyberbullying, there are many stories of teens using social media for good," said Katz.

These statistics and provided information help further the positives of social media for teenagers.  There are definitely negatives that teens and parents must be aware of, but it presents a great perspective on how to effectively utilize it.

Is Social Media Ruining Students???

With the countless discussed benefits and arguments in favor of social media, many 'experts' still argue that social media is a problem that needs to be addressed!

Some argue that social media creates a false sense of connections, which prevents teens and some adults from understanding true, meaningful relationships.

Other argue that social media will only lead to cyber-bulling.  Leading to a higher rate of depression, suicide, and deep psychological damage.

An obvious issue that has been addressed is decreased productivity.  Students and adults alike find themselves looking at Susie's dog photos instead of completing the work that needs to be done.  A company named Morse completed research that suggested that British companies lost 2.2 billion euros/year due to social media!!

One of the final of the major arguments is the lack of privacy created from social media.  Many students have not gotten into specific colleges, potential employees have been denied, and current employees have been fired due to the content that has been posted on social media.  This causes a big detriment to our students!

The real question becomes, do the benefits of social media outweigh the negatives???

No matter your opinion, it seems social media is here to stay!!

Link to Prezi

Here is a link to my prezi presentation on social media.

Social Media has changed advertising!

Social media has changed advertising for

businesses!  

It increases exposure, adds subscribers, creates 

new partnerships, improved branding, and much 

much more!

Social media has become a dynamic marketing tool that permits a business with an general sense of customer reviews, complaints, and provides the opportunity to advertise in innovative ways.  Sara Davidson reports that 70% of business-to-consumer markets have acquired a customer utilizing social media on Facebook.  Facebook (www.facebook.com) reports that nearly 50% of companies have seen a five times return on investment for buying ads on their website.  This social media outlet allows for targeted ads and personalized approaches for selling the business.  “Engaging in social media will help strengthen the brand experience which will support brand building.  A company becomes more attractive to the customers, and to current and potential employees, if it has a well-built brand name” (Edosomwan, Prakasan, Kouame, Watson & Seymour, 2011, pp. 7).  Therefore, social media can distinguish a business and provide an individualized image to the consumers. 

Social media is a cheap way to advertise and market.   Businesses can post free advertisements on twitter, Facebook, etc.  Encouraging customers to provide feedback on social media sites can also serve as free, very effective advertising.  It seems very important that all businesses utilize social media!! 

Social Media Provides Effective Ways of Instruction

Can a teacher utilize Social Media as a tool for instruction?

DUH!

The image provides so many examples for why to use social media!  It's what the kids use on a daily basis; why not utilize this tool to help provide engaging instruction! 

It connects to people around the world, provides personal branding for colleges and jobs, its how they WANT to learn!  

Edmodo.com is an excellent platform that provides social media access to teachers and students.  It resembles Facebook, but is strictly used for educational purposes.  Teachers can share info with teachers from around the nation.  They can also post tests, quizzes, notes, lesson plans, activities, etc. Students can interact with other students, ask the teacher questions after hours, and learn information through the platform.  Check it out here!