Social media: How the next generation can practice argumentation

• Published in: Educational media international Vol. 54; no. 2; pp. 99 - 111
• Main Authors: Rowland, Amber, Craig-Hare, Jana, Ault, Marilyn, Ellis, James, Bulgren, Janis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Routledge 03-04-2017; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Biology; College Faculty; Educational Games; Educational Technology; games; Grade 9; High Schools; Persuasive Discourse; Pretests Posttests; Questioning Techniques; Science; Science Instruction; scientific argumentation; Secondary Education; Secondary School Science; Secondary School Teachers; Skill Development; Social Media; Social networks; Teaching Methods; Technology Uses in Education; Video Games
• ISSN: 0952-3987; 1469-5790
• DOI: 10.1080/09523987.2017.1362818

In this article the authors share how social media, paired with gaming and in-class supports, can facilitate the practice of scientific argumentation and report data that show how students can learn and practice argumentation through these highly interactive and engaging mediums. Social media will continue to evolve and fluctuate in popularity, but no matter the service or software, there will continue to be online spaces for communication, collaboration, learning, and future career growth. Since the role of education is to prepare students to be college and career ready, the use of social media as a component of schooling should be explored. This work has parsed out specific strategies and methods to support higher order thinking through gaming and social media.