Description of the Tool
Instagram is a type of photo-sharing software that allows you to share photos or videos to the public, or for a private group of followers. You can use it on your mobile device or computer. You can upload pictures or videos, and can apply various filters which allow you to edit the content. Instagram is also a tool for social media networking.
How to Use This Tool
When you decide to sign up for Instagram, you will want to go to the website, which is www.instagram.com. Once there, you will be instructed to sign in either using Facebook or email. I would suggest signing in using Facebook because if you do, then you will automatically have options to follow your friends. This helps because it is easier than searching for them. Once you are signed in, you will want to follow who you want to follow. That is the first screen that will pop up. After you do that, you will want to edit your profile by clicking on the image of a person like the picture below.
After you edit your profile, then you can start having fun. When you are on your home page you will see pictures and videos, which are called stories, from the people you follow. You can like these stories or even comment on them.
If you want to apply filters, then it is best to use Instagram on your phone. You can take photos with your phone and use your computer to upload them, but doing it directly from your phone is the easiest way to use this application. Once you take a picture on your phone, you can do many different things to your photo. You can add hundreds of different images and emojis to your pictures. You can write on your photos and there are different colors and types of effects for the writing. You can also take pictures and videos and add funny effects to them. Some of these effects can even change your voice. The possibilities with Instagram are endless.
There are other ways to use Instagram besides photo sharing. You can send direct messages, and even start a group chat of up to 15 people. When you start searching for people, you can search by their location, user, and with something called hashtags. Say you want to look up educational technology. You would enter #educationaltechnology in the search bar on the top of the screen. Hashtags group things together so you can easily find what you are looking for. You can even search by street names this way. Instagram has many different uses.
How Can This Tool be Used by the Trainer/Teacher?
Instagram can be used by a teacher or trainer for a number of different reasons, and is an effective communication and learning tool. Instagram will add diversity to any training circumstance, and will keep the students engaged. There is a page in Instagram called Discover, and this can help networking purposes. Times are changing and technology is growing at an exponential rate. As trainers and teachers, it is important to be flexible. The following is just a small portion of how Instagram can benefit trainers and teachers:
Instagram group chats with like-minded colleagues for networking.
Connect with a community by using up to 30 hashtags in one post.
Tag colleagues in posts
Use the explore section for innovative ideas
Use Instagram Direct for messaging
How Can This Tool be Used by the Trainer/Teacher to Support Student Learning?
Student learning should be one of the main goals for trainers and teachers. Instagram can provide more diversity to any classroom. When a student starts a new class or training, they sometimes have to learn new platforms for school. Many of the younger generation already know how to use Instagram so it will be one less stressor on them. Using Instagram can help these students take advantage of their social media knowledge. The following is just a small list of how Instagram can help teachers and trainers to promote student learning:
Increase student collaboration and improve participation
A way to display students work
Helps students to understand material in a more visual way
Helps students to become more engaged and improve their learning experience
Share information and reminders with visual aids
Students can direct message each other or teachers
How Can This Tool be Used by Students?
Anytime something new is introduced to students it can be intimidating, especially when they don’t know what it is. When Instagram is involved it will pique their interest. A lot of younger individuals are into social media. When social media is used in learning it can have great benefits, and the following list is just a few:
Increase connection with the teacher or trainer
Get feedback from peers and teachers
Direct message for privacy in some feedback
Find inspiration for projects
Appeals to different learning styles
Allows you to express yourself
Training and Other Resources
The following is a tutorial for how to use Instagram. It is titled “Instagram for Beginners”, and is just under 9 minutes long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNHwoXM4miw
I have also included a longer tutorial for those looking for more in-depth information. It is titled “How Does Instagram Work Tutorial for Beginners”, and is just over 30 minutes long.
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