Using Social Media in the Classroom
This chapter focuses on the unique problem of preparing faculty to meet students by crossing the divide of the digital media native generation. Members of Gen Z, the first of whom are just matriculating to college, hold certain expectations about the availability of information in digital forms, among other things. There is a growing realization, in the higher learning space, that traditional classroom practices are unlikely to meet the needs of Gen Z. Student learning preferences and styles have evolved. It is essential for faculty to investigate ways in which their teaching practices can develop to meet the needs of this generation. This chapter discusses the use of social media to engage students in a topic in the communication sciences and disorders that are seen as difficult and unengaging, augmentative and alternative communication systems. Students were encouraged to challenge their pre-conceptions around ability, and utilizing a digital medium, which in turn incentivized every student to become comfortable with digital technology and familiar with the principles of universal design.