Why I heart instagram as a learning space. Instagram in education.

A few weeks ago Matt Esterman @mesterman asked if I was interested in presenting at a #teachmeet in Brighton, UK. I heart teachmeets and have written a few posts about them (see Crestwood teachmeet,  Abbotsleigh Teachmeet and Overwhelmingly grand PD) I am a teachmeet addict and have attended numerous local ones. I also enjoy "attending" International teachmeets via livemeeting, adobeconnect and blackboard collaborate. I have also presented at these (see International teachmeet March 2012 and Livemeeting-International teachmeet 2011)  The slide to the left and many in this post, where taken from a #studentmeet at SHORE in 2012 hosted by @cpaterso.

Today I will be sharing my love for Instagram as a learning space with our friends at #teachmeet at City College Brighton, England and Hove  Follow the #ccbshare (UK)  As you can see below, we are physically separated by a vast distance, yet we can still share together- this is the world of social media and in in this case; instagram.

Sharing and learning online, anytime, anywhere about YOUR passions and interests. 

What distance? 

Miles:	10576.43
Kilometers:	17020.64

Martyn Howe is the Head of Teaching and Learning Development and organising this event, alongside Andy Clowe (Technical) and Ian Sanders (Application Developer E-Learning City College Brighton).

Students are already in this space, yet who is monitoring and mentoring re correct usage? Social etiquette must also be modelled and taught. Students are very responsive to this guidance. They want to learn, continue interacting in their beloved spaces and get involved. Belong.

Instagram is an online photo sharing and social networking space.  We also use it for messages, notes, reminders, celebration and inspiration. The opportunities and potential for an application such as instagram is exciting and promising.

Read about the benefits of Instagram here and to check out the challenge we have set in 2012, read here.  Schools around the world have accepted our challenge and have created an instagram account to share our learning journey with each other.  Some are listed below:

@foodatmarian
@foodatstjosephs

@foodatwilliamhowardschool (no pics as yet but looking forward to it!)
@foodatkingswood 
@foodatcolaisterchiaran
@riversidefoodies
@cre8atchisholm
@foodatroseville
@foodatmdcc

#culinaryarts teachers on instagram: 

@msedstrom @dnembhard43 @teachertong @mslabossiere @yr9foodtech @carly_hart

Connections made with these schools, educators and students alike have been both enriching and rewarding!  It is wonderful to connect with so many like minded individuals!

Instagram is now online! Check out our account here: @foodatoakhill A month ago, accessing instagram was mainly via mobile devices with ios and android operating systems (FREE apps: see here for links Google play and itunes store).  Ink361 also provided a great service, connecting your account PC viewing.

CONNECTIONS/IDEAS/INSPIRATION/MOTIVATION/CREATION/SHARE/PARENTTIES

Benefits as an educator:

• Instant feedback for students AND teacher! #sharethelove #affirmation #confirmation
• If students travel or away for sickness etc they can keep in touch with happenings in the classroom.
• It is free and available across many platforms. #easilyaccessibletomany
• use of apps such as Versagram to relay messages and information (other apps we use are in linked posts above)

• documents learning and development
• Share with parent community
• inspiration via # eg #literacy #geography #theatre #novels #foodindustry #graphicdesign 
• visual inspiration (between classes, schools, countries -> #staplefoods
• showcasing product development (greentea kitkat and our student masterchef challenge)

• Authentic learning opportunities #nutritionalists #testkitchens #magazines #printmedia Real world experiences and career opportunities and ideas.

• Connect with my own students (their world) other students and other educators #community
• Share our world and yours #culture

• Evaluate success of instagramming for learning and exploring. 

            

• Like pinterest, access to ideas, resources, links etc using # (#api Australian food industry #labelling #foodlaws #foodsafety)

              

• Messages, reminders, Quotes, challenges, birthday messages, welcomes #limitedbyyourimaginationonly

And that is why I 

the use of instagram!