SocialMedia

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=SOCIAL MEDIA =
 * What is it? **

 Social media is a term used to describe a variety of websites and platforms that support and encourage social interaction amongst users using media (video, audio etc) that those users have uploaded. In other words, if you have a video...and you upload it to one of these sites...and somebody else makes a comment about it...or asks you a question about it... or uses it (with your permission), then that is social media. :-)

**Point me to something** [|YouTube] is a video sharing website which allows users to locate existing videos as well as upload their own. It as an example of social media.

**What is happening in education?**
 * Teachers and trainers are using videos extensively in education, with many simply playing them in a classroom to enhance face to face lectures.
 * Some educators are 'turning it over to students', and setting activities where students need to research, find and share useful and relevant videos (for example, to create a 'video library' of videos on one topic).
 * Trainers using LMSs such as Moodle are embedding videos into the course which are then viewable right inside the course.

**Examples** Examples of what you can find on the **[|YouTube website]** are:
 * How to use a bandsaw
 * How to fold a fitted sheet
 * Putting out a grease fire safely
 * Sales Tips - Open and Closed Questions
 * Internet Safety for Teens

There is an amazing amount of instructional material including an Education section. (If your organisation has firewall issues with YouTube, try TeacherTube.) The best way to find examples however, is to simply go to the YouTube website, and start your search with the words 'How to...' you will be surprised what you find.

**Show me how...** If you are still trying to get your head around social media (don't worry...it is a complex subject) check out the video below - Social Media in Plain English. Once you are ready to start searching for relevant videos, you may find some of your questions answered in the Searching for Videos section. Try watching the videos in full screen mode...this would be the way you would show them in a classroom. Another great resource is Using YouTube Videos in Education.

YouTube videos can be embedded into Learning Management Systems such as Moodle, so that the learner does not have to leave the secure environment to view the video. This does not breach any copyright and many educators and trainers use this method to provide engaging materials to balance text-based content. This is a great tutorial which will show you how: How to embed a Youtube video into a Moodle.

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'Social Media' photo:: CC licensed Flickr photo by planeta
 * Acknowledgement**

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