Academic networking. (c2012)

Abstract

This study chooses to take an approach that recognizes that children of the 21st century are exceptionally well advanced in modern day technologies, and possess technological literacy that is superior to that of the majority of adults in our societies. From video games, to software, to communication tools, to social media, chances are that students depend on and interact with these emerging medias much more than their teachers do. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the current gaps between Lebanese teachers and students with respect to educational technology and social media. This study also attempts to measure if training teachers on the development and integration of such innovations actually improves students’ performance. Quantitative methods including a pilot study and an experimental method are used sequentially on a sample of 42 students and 42 teachers to answer the three research questions proposed by this study: 1) What are the differences in literacy rates between Lebanese teachers and students in regards to multimedia production software and social media? 2) Is the integration of educational videos through social media a relevant educational solution? 3) Are learning outcomes improved by integrating educational videos through social media? The experimental research method tested the outcomes of developing and integrating an educational YouTube video as homework versus the standard reading assignment on the subject of cell theory (8th grade biology). The results from the pilot study portray that Lebanese high school students are more advanced in technological literacy and practice in comparison to Lebanese teachers. The experiment results highlight a more consistent and less variable performance by students who were exposed to the social and educational media intervention in comparison to those who received a reading assignment instead. Accordingly a training method and suggestions to improve the quality of the professional development activities at schools were developed and proposed by the researcher in order to provide a more modern, relevant, and creative learning environment.