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The way we consume knowledge is changing, which is unsurprising. As indicated by the prominence of popular video-sharing sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Pinterest, we are increasingly migrating away from text-based forms of information and toward visual ones. Not all of these visual forms are as meaningless as we may assume. Memes and GIFs, for instance, are more than simply a way to pass the time while waiting in line; they frequently provide incisive political and social analysis that serves as a coping strategy for living in crazy current times. Rather than viewing these types of visual media as pass-time activities, we feel they have the ability to engage students in class and provide another means of demonstrating topics.
What are the differences between GIFs and memes?
While memes and GIFs (pronounced “gif or “jiff”) are sometimes confused as one and the same, they are technically distinct. Animated images are known as GIFs. They’re not extensive video pieces, and they’re more like the flipbooks you would have played with as a kid. They make no sound and frequently repeat words (much like the boomerang feature on Instagram).
Memes, on the other hand, are text-enhanced visuals. They frequently refer to current events or social concepts. They can either be a block of text with no accompanying image, or they can move like a GIF.
Why is it possible to be effective with memes and GIFs?
Memes and GIFs can be useful in the classroom for a variety of reasons. For starters, students are already familiar with GIFs and memes. Imagine their amazement when the teacher utilizes one during class for the first time! Memes and GIFs are likely to capture students’ attention, keep them engaged, and even bring a sense of levity to sessions. They’re a different technique to get students to reply to discussion topics or to assist the teacher better grasping how they feel about a topic. Here are some more ideas for how to use memes and GIFs in the classroom.
How to Use Memes and GIFs in the Classroom
Icebreakers
Icebreakers are an easy and amusing method to use memes and GIFs in the classroom. Ask the students a question and have them choose a GIF or meme that best represents their response. “How was your weekend?” I inquire. or “Make a GIF to express your feelings on our upcoming scientific topic on plants.” Students will enjoy selecting a GIF and observing their classmates’ reactions.
Reading Instruction
GIFs and memes can be used in a variety of ways in English language arts. Have kids write the definition of a vocabulary word and then add a GIF or meme that best matches that description (good examples would include: exacerbant, infuriated, or disappointed). This gives the term a visual representation and provides some flair to an otherwise mundane task. Have you recently completed a read-aloud or a book study? Have students make a record of GIFs after each chapter to show how the book progresses, or have them post a GIF or meme to reflect on the book.
Whether the GIF depicts excitement, astonishment, or surprise, it can properly capture how kids are feeling in a less embarrassing way than words. Furthermore, it will provide you with useful feedback.
Exploring and Understanding Society and Culture
When it comes to learning about society and culture, GIFs and memes might be useful. Have students search for GIFs and think about the ones they find while political events develop. Teachers could even have their pupils conduct a study into the history of the GIFs they come across (think Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump).
Searching for GIFs that depict a culture in a positive or negative light may also be a beneficial learning experience for pupils.
Explore Social Commentary
During the 2012 presidential election, Tumblr sponsored a live #GIFOFF. The GIFs were then turned into memes, which spread throughout social media and altered the election narrative.
The way people consume information is changing all the time. Students and adults alike are employing animated visuals and phrases in the form of GIFs and memes to more effectively communicate their opinions and thoughts, changing text-based means of information delivery into visual ones. GIFs and memes are a fun method for teachers to add excitement to the classroom in a language that kids understand.
Also read: Awakening to All Aspects of Teaching
FAQs
Why is it possible to be effective with memes and GIFs?
Memes and GIFs can be useful in the classroom for a variety of reasons. For starters, students are already familiar with GIFs and memes. Imagine their amazement when the teacher utilizes one during class for the first time! Memes and GIFs are likely to capture students' attention, keep them engaged, and even bring a sense of levity to sessions. They're a different technique to get students to reply to discussion topics or to assist the teacher in better grasping how they feel about a topic. Here are some more ideas for how to use memes and GIFs in the classroom.
What are the differences between GIFs and memes?
While memes and GIFs (pronounced gif or jiff) are sometimes confused as one and the same, they are technically distinct. Animated images are known as GIFs. They're not extensive video pieces, and they're more like the flipbooks you would have played with as a kid. They make no sound and frequently repeat words (much like the boomerang feature on Instagram). Memes, on the other hand, are text-enhanced visuals. They frequently refer to current events or social concepts. They can either be a block of text with no accompanying image, or they can move like a GIF.
How Icebreakers can be used as a classroom tool?
Icebreakers are an easy and amusing method to use memes and GIFs in the classroom. Ask the students a question and have them choose a GIF or meme that best represents their response. How was your weekend? I inquire. or Make a GIF to express your feelings on our upcoming scientific topic on plants. Students will enjoy selecting a GIF and observing their classmates' reactions.
