foursquare in the Classroom

foursquare has the opportunity to change the way classrooms and projects operate. Many teachers take up valuable time taking attendance and then getting their students motivated to learn. Students, and people in general, are already motivated to learn. Its ingrained in us from birth. That's why we take off crawling or running as soon as we can, we're curious to learn and explore.

foursquare combines the love of learning new things with technology most middle schoolers already have. With a web-enabled device (smartphone, iPod Touch, iPad, etc.) students can 'check in' at different places and earn badges and recognition for their efforts in certain locations. This could completely change the way schools take attendance.

Instead of drudgingly calling out each students name at the beginning of every class, students can 'check in' with foursquare. Teachers can create badges and titles for students to earn as they attend and participate in class. Titles like, 'Mayor,' 'Governor,' 'Legislature,' or any other title the teacher wishes to create. 

Students can receive badges for 'Most Attentive,' 'Most Creative,' 'Best Attendance,' or others that the teacher believes will motivate students. 

The teacher can also use foursquare with projects where students 'check in' with their groups and design badges and titles for other students to earn by completing their projects or learning the desired principles.

foursquare can serve as a classroom management tool for 21st century style learning.