Browsing by Author "Halonen, Ville"

The goals. This study examines how class teachers have used social media as part of teaching. The research idea for this study is based on the questions of how to teach skills for future at school and whether the school prepare students for searching and sharing information. In addition, this study examines what kind of interaction occurs in the class community while working in a web-based learning environment. The research methods. The study was carried out as a case study and for this purpose three Helsinki-based teachers were interviewed. The interview method was semi-structured theme interview and each teacher was interviewed once. The interviews which lasted for 45-50 minutes were recorded and transcribed for more thorough analysis. The material was then analyzed by using the Grounded Theory method. The key concepts that emerged from the material are the base for this study. The results and conclusions. The results of the study confirmed the understanding that social media brings added value to teaching by motivating students. It is well suited for investigative and community-based learning where information is produced jointly among members of the class. The use of social media learning environments has updated learning materials and working with it also challenges students to investigate the correctness of information. Its use in teaching prepares students for the future and working life where finding and sharing of relevant information is of the essence. Work that is independent of time and place is also emphasized when working with social media.