OPEN YOUR NOTEBOOK AND SMILE – YOU’RE ON YOUTUBE: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF PARTICIPATORY MEDIA IN THE CLASSROOM

Young people’s explosive use of social media, such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and blogs in their personal lives has invaded the classroom. Instead of viewing social media as a barrier to formal learning, it provides an opportunity to transform traditional teaching approaches into experiential learning tools.
Since the 1990’s the phenomenon of the internet has played an increasingly important role as a teaching tool to deliver current and practical information to students. However, the internet as a learning tool offers exciting and innovative ways to engage students.
This paper explores the role of social media as an important contributor to experiential learning where students become the consumers and creators of information extending beyond the classroom. Students participate in an ongoing dialogue not just with their instructors and peer, but also with the community at large.
In this context, the term participatory media is used to describe the instrument that results from the fusion of formal and informal learning. Against the backdrop of a new and innovative student design competition that involves student, business, and consumer, the author describes the objectives, learning outcomes, and future applications. Though the competition was hugely successful, students in some cases did not feel like the winners.
In conclusion, the author discusses practical recommendations for the successful implementation of participatory media in the classroom.