The One With the Online Community

I have been exploring online communities the last few days in preparation for the Community Norm assignment for #EME6414. It is mind-blowing how many online communities there are. Essentially anything you have interest in, you can find a social media-based community to be apart of. I have been a member of a few different communities on FaceBoos but now I have joined a plethora of others. Why? Its crazy to me what you can learn from like-minded individuals. As a teacher, I joined a few FaceBook groups for Teachers and in just 24 hours as a member, I had read such insightful posts and stories. I love how people all over the world are here to help one another. I also love Reality TV. So, I joined a few of those FaceBook groups where members discuss the shows, give their insights and opinions on the cast and production. While that may seem petty and like it'd just be people bashing other people on TV,(I thought it'd be like that too!) it isn't always! People have great insight into the shows, cast members sometimes chime in with their perspectives and people really discuss what they like and what they'd like to see in future seasons. 

These communities online are great and I am learning quickly that you can really gain so much knowledge from people you don't personally know. Of course there are the negative Nancy's out there who try to post their unwanted opinions against the rules of the groups, but typically those people and their posts are removed so the space is peaceful and full of content you can appreciate. So as a teacher, my first thought goes to, how can I incorporate this into my classroom. Students in my classes in particular, all signed up to be apart of the schools Marketing program so all have interest in business and marketing. Could they benefit from something similar to these social media-based communities? It's hard to ask students to use social media because not all have account or want to make accounts due to privacy and other restrictions they may have. But, can we use this awesome, online community concept on our teaching platforms like Google Classroom or Canvas? 

In my opinion, students may really enjoy sharing their thoughts on class topics in a discussion/forum manner. I utilize so many unconventional tools in class such as finding sitcoms, movies and reality TV shows that I relate back to my lessons and content. Can students post their thoughts on a collaborative forum set up in the confines of our classroom or online classroom? Will the engagement help them understand the content more and relate to it rather  than just filling out a worksheet or doing a live in-class discussion. We all know how those go, the talkative, outgoing kids participate and the quiet or not as studious students slump down in the back and hope to not be called on. This can give them a comfortable space to share their thoughts without being put on the spot and collaborate with others.

What are your thoughts? Do you think this could be an effective tool for students inside the classroom?