Using Technology and Social Media to Include Marginalized Voices in the Classroom

• In Event: 2322 - Activities and Techniques Poster Session

Abstract

No one person can embody the diversity of voices that would be desirable for inclusion in Sociology classes, and while there is much debate as to whether only members of marginalized groups should teach about the issues and perspectives of those groups, it is widely agreed that directly hearing the voices of those directly impacted by social issues is meaningful and powerful in terms of student experience. This presentation will focus on the use of youtube videos, Facebook, blogs, twitter, and online comics to bring the voices of people who are socially marginalized due to their race, sex, sexuality, gender expression, body size, disability status, religion, etc. into the Sociology classroom and syllabus. Not only do these kinds of resources a) engage students through exciting and familiar media and b) invite in marginalized voices that students may not otherwise become familiar with, they also c) encourage students to continue learning interacting with these dialogues, through the frequent and ongoing hyperlinks, video suggestions, and hashtags.

My poster presentation will include a thorough list of online resources, select printed examples, and if possible a computer screen or digital table with multimedia examples. The examples will be focused on resources I use in my own classes, but I will also provide suggestions and help others find online resources to suit their own classes (e.g. online communities engaged around particular social problems, etc.). I may also connect faculty to individuals and groups elsewhere who are willing to engage in videoconferencing conversations with students.

Author

• Tal Peretz, Auburn University