Creating a discussion-based assessment focused on social media savviness can engage students or participants in critically analyzing their own use of social media platforms, understanding the impact of social media on society, and developing skills to navigate these platforms effectively. Here’s a structured approach to conducting such an assessment:
Assessment Overview
Objective: Evaluate the participants' understanding of social media dynamics, their ability to engage critically with content, and their skills in using social media tools responsibly and effectively.
Assessment Structure
1. Introduction to Social Media Literacy
- Objective: Define social media literacy and its importance in today’s digital landscape.
- Activity: Group discussion on the role of social media in everyday life.
- Questions to consider:
- How has social media changed the way we communicate?
- What are the positive and negative impacts of social media?
- Questions to consider:
2. Understanding Different Platforms
- Objective: Familiarize participants with various social media platforms and their specific audiences and uses.
- Activity: Platform SWOT Analysis
- Break into small groups and assign each a social media platform (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn).
- Each group creates a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for their assigned platform and presents it to the class.
3. Content Creation and Curation
- Objective: Explore effective content creation and curation practices.
- Activity: Create a social media post or campaign
- Participants create a sample post or campaign promoting a cause or product, focusing on visual appeal, messaging, and target audience.
- Groups present their campaigns and explain their choices.
4. Analyzing Social Media Trends and Issues
- Objective: Encourage critical thinking about current social media trends and issues.
- Activity: Case Study Discussion
- Provide case studies of real-life social media scenarios (e.g., viral challenges, misinformation, social movements driven by social media).
- Discuss:
- What were the key factors contributing to the outcome?
- How could the situation have been handled differently?
- What can we learn from these cases?
5. Ethics and Responsibility in Social Media Use
- Objective: Discuss the ethical considerations and responsibilities associated with social media.
- Activity: Role-play scenarios
- Present participants with ethical dilemmas related to social media (e.g., sharing misinformation, cyberbullying, privacy issues).
- In groups, they discuss their responses and decide on the best course of action, followed by a class discussion.
6. Reflection and Evaluation
- Objective: Reflect on personal social media use and develop a personal action plan for enhanced social media savviness.
- Activity: Personal reflection journal
- Participants write a brief reflection on their social media habits, what they have learned from the assessment, and how they plan to apply this knowledge moving forward.
Assessment Criteria
- Engagement: Participation in discussions and activities.
- Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze and evaluate social media content and trends.
- Creativity: Originality and thoughtfulness in content creation.
- Collaboration: Effectiveness of teamwork and communication within groups.
- Reflection: Insightfulness of personal reflections and action plans.
Conclusion
This assessment fosters an understanding of social media’s role in modern communication, encourages critical thinking, and promotes ethical use of these powerful platforms. It prepares participants to navigate the social media landscape thoughtfully and responsibly.