Instagram Idol
Become a #hashtaghero #lightthewaysensei
What is Instagram?
A photo-sharing social networking app designed for mobile devices. Users on the go, can share pictures or videos, but it is the hashtags included in your post that gives you the social media power!
Why use Instagram?
Here are some reasons why you might want to learn how to use Instagram:
- Develop your creativity
- Broaden your way of thinking about life and learning
- Connect with professionals
- Consider technology different
- Share your knowledge and wisdom
Posting & reposting
It's all about the square, and complementary colours, and if possible include nature. Try an unusual angle or depth of field, and of course, Instagram is all about the #filters or #nofilter There are lots to choose.
Followers & following
Search for accounts, using relevant keywords, such as 'teaching', 'inspiration', 'education', or even 'library'. Once you follow a few, Instagram will offer suggestions based on your choices. Then the trick is to post amazing images so others will follow you back.
Tagging & hashtagging
To tag a person or an account, use the @ and the username. Hashtags are more general and if used repeatedly, you are able to filter your posts, so that you see only those tagged. We will use 'lightthewaysensei' to tag our posts, and connect with each other.
How to get started
Although it's possible to view instagram on a computer or laptop, it is best to create your posts, either on your mobile phone or tablet. It's available on android or iOS.
- Create a log on, using an email address, or your Facebook account.
- Fill out a profile, find a profile pic and link to a website if you have one. Consider your describing words carefully - too vague, and noone will know what you're about. Too much and they won't read it.
- Find me, follow me, and filter #lightthewaysensei
- Choose accounts to follow
- For your first post, take a picture of a personal item that means something to you and try a few hashtags #firstpost #personal #myenlightmentbegins
- Always use #lightthewaysensei when you are posting for this course
Accounts to consider following
State Library of Victoria
One of the most effective libraries in terms of their use of social media, the State Library of Victoria is a great combination of events, fun facts and behind the scenes snap shots.
My Simple Reminders
Daily inspiration to keep you motivated through the tough times.
Teaching Special Thinkers
With over 15K followers, this account of Mrs Dixon who teaches autistic children is inspirational, cheery and wise.
For Science Geeks
For Art & History devotees
For Tech Heads
Made with Code - inspiring girls to code
Techcrunch - all the events and gadgets you could ever want
emergingedtech - Focused on engaging students with instructional technologies
Some popular educational hashtags
#teacher #teched #teacherappreciation #educationmatters #educational #teaching #lifelonglearning #learningisfun
Use our hashtags as well
#lightthewaysensei #socialmediasensei #socialmediaenlightenment #smsensei #instagramidol #hashtaghero
Further Reading & other non-ed accounts (#justbecause)
What is Instagram and why is it so popular? (2012)
The educator's guide to Instagram and other photo apps (2012)
10 Instagram Tips for Beginners (n.d.)
How to repost correctly (2016)
App Suggestions for combining photos (n.d.)
5 Reasons Instagram continues to grow in 2016 (2016)
Beautiful Australia (2014)
Guardian Australia (2016)
Here is your challenge for the next month - Post a photo, a video, a quote or a repost one a day.
Continue your enlightenment
Once you feel confident using Instagram yourself, perhaps you feel ready to think about classroom use. Here are some articles to encourage you.
Using Instagram as a Learning Opportunity (2012)
Using Instagram in an Educational Context (2013)