What if we teach young people to use something well that they currently use poorly? What if this "something" not only increases their interest in what they are learning-and by extension, their motivation to learn- but also meets the kinds of curriculum requirements that teachers need to teach (especially 21st century skills and common core skills)? What if this something also helps prepare them for life after graduation by reinforcing the very same skills that employers require? Every adult - parent and educator - knows that inspiring the innate desire to learn is the key, not only to student success now, but also in the future. Yet a great majority of young people feel that what they are learning in school is divorced from the kinds of things that truly interest them. How to inspire this critical desire to learn? Connect what they are learning - not just the content, but the skills - to activities that already inspire them. This recipe simply must include learning to use social media. Instead of blocking it during the school day, and constantly saying "NO!", parents and educators should embrace social media as one of the most inspiring ways to teach 21st century skills. In Social Media Fascination, Deborah C. Owen describes a model of teaching social media that puts Care/Serve at the center of all interactions. This is a far cry from how most people currently use social media, which is usually, "It starts with me". This model then adds Collaborate, Curate, Create, Communicate, and Connect through Community as other "facets" of use that must be incorporated, not just because they are fun and engaging - and part of the 21st Century Skills model - but because they are the kinds of skills employers are actually looking for. To build this model on real-world experience, Deborah C. Owen interviewed a number of internet and social media "gurus" with tremendous knowledge in each of these facets. These guests are: Chris Brogan, Marcus Sheridan, Mike Koenigs, Hiten Shah, Pat Flynn, Danny Iny, Guillaume Decugis, Jeff Brown, and Tim Grahl. Portions of each interview are included in the chapters supporting each facet. So who is this book for? It is for any adult - parent or educator - who would like to understand social media better. It's for any adult who is tired of emphasizing the dangers of social media, and instead wants to emphasize the positive uses that are possible. It's for anyone who wants to connect with like-minded people from around the world, and who wants to create and innovate in new, unexplored ways. In short, it's for anyone who believes that we can make a difference in the world through communicating well in connected communities, based on sharing information. This book is for anyone who is online. It's even for you!
About the Author: Deborah is a certified public school educator and has been teaching children, teens and adults for 20 years, in various capacities. She has also earned the prestigious recognition of National Board Certification. Her expertise is in Library and Information Science, so she knows how to find stuff online! She is passionate about helping people learn better and faster, by understanding how their brain works, so they can turn that new understanding into whatever goals of success are meaningful to them. She is the founder of Big League Copywriting, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs find perfect clients by articulating their message through copy and content. She is available for speaking, teaching, and one-to-one coaching and consulting. Please contact her at Debbie@DeborahCOwen.com for more information.