Supporting Artifact

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A theory of social interaction using social media within online communities

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The final paper for EDCI 531 will demonstrate a clear example of how I have addressed this competency.  For this course in particular, I created an instructional theory (Theory of social interaction using social media within online communities), based in different learning theories from the readings and discussions during the semester. The purpose of my theory was facilitating learner’s knowledge and collaboration within online communities using social media tools. For this theory I create a diagram where I explained the necessary requirements and elements to apply my theory and learners’ responsibilities and approaches.

 

• Demonstrates ability to describe common research methods in Educational Technology

 

The documents and readings that I have used to reviewing the instructional learning theories, helped me to formulate the main elements for my theory (creativity, social media tools, instructional designer approach, learner’s responsibilities and learner’s satisfaction). After evaluating these elements, and linking the purpose of social interaction with them through the development of online communities. Additional resources, and previous application of social tools, also help me to demonstrate that social media tools can enable the development of new didactic learning experience within online communities.

 

This theory presented in this artifact address that social media tools can be used, as an educational tool to help learners reach desired learning outcomes. The elements of this theory are: Social Media Tools, that provide functionality, enable communication. They can be used to sharing of ideas, and building of networks. For, example, tweets or post status updates as a class, blog about what learners are learning, getting feedback using Facebook, and others. Other element is Learners’ Responsibilities. Its goal is promoting development of online communities where the learner is prepared to work with others. Learners are encouraged to work with one another to share information and experiences through participation in the social area of the community. Instructional Designer Approach, where learners receive support and they are provided with activities using social media elements to make learning efficient and effective.

Social Interaction, where learners self-constructed interaction by activities and projects posted by the designer. Creativity, the theory will lead learners to add value and creativity to their online communities.  Creativity is demonstrated through the conversations and ideas shared between learners using social media tools. Finally, Learner Satisfaction. It is demonstrated through the development of the community through technological affordances, such as user profiles, social media tools, and other technological resources.

 

• Demonstrates ability to read and evaluate Educational Technology research

 

Reading and evaluating all the documents and resources assigned for this course, provided me adequate supported research and helped me to came away with my theory proposal. The learning theories covered in all this resources established the necessary factors behind my theory of social interaction using social media within online communities. I was able to achieve specific subjects, and to adapt my personal and professional thinking into the elements of my theory. During the reading and evaluation process, I addressed barriers such the lack of connection between learners, them responsibilities into communities of learning and approaches to adaptation. And also I found the connectors to all these elements such creativity and social media tools.

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• Applies research findings to the solution of common problems in Educational Technology

 

Promoting the use of social media within communities of learning was the most remarkable about my theory proposal. Learners will have the opportunity to incorporate each element of the theory into usual practice and build an interpersonal connections framework using social media tools.

 

Reference

Tinoco-Giraldo, H. (2016). A theory of social interaction using social media within online communities