DishingDesign

Last evening this question was posed: Does social media (any social media) have problem-based learning (PBL) capabilities? Depending on how you define social media, and there are many definitions, you could definitley use social media to cultivate problem-based learning.

Here are some definitions that were found when the string “define social media” was entered into Google’s search (each definition links to its source):

• Social media is media designed to be disseminated through social interaction, created using highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques.
• media that is created to be shared freely.
• Social media are primarily Internet- and mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings.[1] The term most often refers to activities that integrate technology, telecommunications and social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio.

Here is a definition for PBL:

• Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered instructional strategy in which students collaboratively solve problems and reflect on their experiences.

Do WIMBA, wiki’s, and Skype have the capability to bring through this method for learning? What about a social networking site? Could Facebook become an educational playground?

If you’ve leveraged social media for PBL, share with us how you are using it and what you think your success is with it. If you have a position on whether one social media over another would work better for PBL or yield better learning outcomes give us two scoops worth on the topic.