So, I kept hearing about this crazy app called Perisocope, and I decided to check it out this weekend because I’m a tech junkie and was pretty curious about it. This app is going to change social media AND the education world, and I am loving it!
What is Periscope?
(Mashable, 2015)
Essentially, periscope is a social media app where you live broadcast yourself (at an event, having a conversation with people, etc.). When you start the live broadcast, you give the video a title, and simply begin broadcasting. As the broadcasting goes on, people tap on your video and begin watching. What makes this app so interactive is that you can’t see your viewers, but they can interact with you by commenting and tapping the side of the screen, which gives you hearts. These hearts are essentially likes, but I’m almost sure the amount of hearts you receive aren’t documented (I could be wrong, though).
On the viewing side, if you simply want to watch a live broadcast, you tap on the map and there will be red dots all over a map of the world. These red dots indicate that someone is broadcasting in that specific location. Once you tap on a dot, you are watching someone’s broadcast. Simply comment if you want to interact with the broadcaster. Oftentimes, broadcasters interact with their viewers unless they’re broadcasting a concert or something along those lines.
How can I integrate it in my classroom?
(DailyDot, 2015)
Seriously, the options are endless, but let me first explain how you should start your account.
- Periscope links your account with twitter, so if you have a classroom twitter (which I highly suggest), link it to that account.
- Begin networking on twitter and Periscope to find who you can periscope to as a whole class. Periscope can be creepy in terms of the option of having anyone see your video and furthermore, watching a complete strangers video. Therefore, you can come across some sketchy stuff. By finding classrooms, teachers, authors, scientists, etc. that you can trust on periscope, you will be able to create a safe and meaningful learning experience.
- I DISCOVERED SOMETHING AMAZING! You can do multiple broadcasts on the same account at the same time. This means students can simply login to the class account and get going on their iPads. Despite this app being an iPhone only app, you can still download it onto an iPad.
- Broadcasts can be saved. Want to assess your students understanding of a concept in a discussion? Watch a broadcast from earlier in the day!
- Broadcasts can be private. Simply select who you want the video to be broadcasted to and viola!
Okay, onto the fun stuff. Activities that would be awesome!
- Playing talk show: Enhance discussions by pairing (or grouping) up students and having them talk about something that is being learned. Students can broadcast their understanding and answer questiond about the topic/concept to their viewers.
- Observe what a classroom from across the world looks like: Engage students by having students send in questions.
- Watch someone else’s class play talk show. Make sure students are questioning!
- Present projects to other classrooms.
- Interact with an author of a book and ask questions through commenting.
Something to really think about…
- Broadcasting student events, such as a play: I get it, parents are crazy busy and can’t always attend their child's very important event. So, why not broadcast their child’s very important day? Parents will be able to comment and be involved in their child’s learning all while being at work.
- Broadcast a typical lesson to teachers and parents: Perhaps you want your blog followers to see what a typical day in the classroom looks like, which showcases your strategies. Or… maybe you would like to show parents what a typical day of school looks like for their child.
One Important Take Away
If you do end up deciding to implement this app into your students' learning, I highly advise you have parents sign a form allowing their child to be on the broadcast and use the app. Since apps like this are almost always immediately typecast by the media, define the app and make it clear how private and safe this app will be in the classroom. Then, state what you plan on doing with the app. Parents should then be okay with their child using Periscope in the classroom.
Well, these are just some of my ideas so far. Feel free to make suggestions in the comments section. Oh, and you better be downloading Periscope now!
