foursquare for Teachers

Teachers are pushed to use technology in the classroom. When there are so many tools and resources it's hard to choose. Which one will help most? Which is easiest to use? How do I login? Will I remember my password? What do I do if I forget my password? "This is too difficult, I give up."

Too often, that's what happens. But why not turn it around and let your students guide you into choosing the right tools? What tools/resources will help students most? Which is easiest for them to use? How do I login? Nevermind that, what do my students like to do? PLAY GAMES. What motivates them about the games? INTERACTION AND PRESTIGE (TITLES/BADGES). What type of interaction do they enjoy most? ANYTHING TO DO WITH FRIENDS (AND THROW IN SOME TECHNOLOGY). Wow, this is the definition of foursquare!

Teachers can use foursquare to create meaningful, interactive, social, fun, and rewarding lessons and projects. Use foursquare to take attendance*. Students check in when they come to your class each day and earn badges the more they're there.

Create a science scavenger hunt on the 6th grade hall by sending out clues to help students find answers to some of the mysteries about Earthquakes and the challenges of predicting them. With every answer they find a new clue is revealed, the more clues they 'unlock' the more badges or titles they earn. Who wouldn't want to Mayor of Fault Line City?

Teachers create group projects where students 'check in' with their groups using foursquare and have the opportunity to interact after the school day is over. Students could also be encouraged to follow students from other classes working on similar projects to brainstorm new and better ideas.