Instagram

Instagram_Logo

Overview

Instagram is an internet based application for sharing images, pictures, videos and comments. It is user-friendly and widely used for social communication. It also has its application in other areas such as business and education. It was created in October 2010 by Mike Systrom and Mike Krieger, thought it was later bought by another social media platform Facebook in 2012.

Using Instagram in the Classroom

Top Ways to use Instagram in the Classroom include

Showcase Student Work through a class page students and families can follow
Feature a Student of the Week
Capture Field Trip Memories
Creating digital storytelling assignments
Document progress on projects
Photojournalism

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Instagram can also be used as a PLN platform for teachers. Several teachers use or have used Twitter as a way to communicate with teachers around the world and share their ideas. Instagram is another option where teachers can post pictures of what they are doing in their classes. They also can post short videos explaining what they are working on with their students. Finally, they can just connect with other educators that teach the same subjects as them and share their challenges and successes.

History

Instagram was first launched in October 2010. In September 2012 Facebook finalized their purchase of Instagram for $1 billion. Despite this acquisition, over half of Americans don't know that Facebook owns Instagram, and according to TechCrunch editor-at-large Josh Constine, Facebook prefers it that way. This has a lot to do with the demographical differences between users of Facebook and Instagram.

User Statistics

As of 2018, Instagram's website claims to have 800 million users ranging from celebrities, musicians, teens and the general public as a whole. While Facebook is the largest online social networking site overall with 2.13 billioin monthly active users, Snapchat and Instagram tends to appeal more to teens and younger millennials. A recent survey showed that 71 percent of Americans aged 18 to 24 use Instagram. That is much higher than the 45% who use Twitter in the same age group. As of January 2018, 40 billion photos have been shared on Instagram. Interestingly, 68% of Instagram users are female.

Features

Instagram has a feature that allows users who follow each other to send private messages using Instagram Direct. This function was later updated to allow users to send friends live videos. Another feature allows users to pinch the screen to zoom in on images/videos as desired. Beginning in April 2018, users can blur selected portions of photo uploads while keeping the rest of the photo clear and in focus. Users can also change the privacy settings on their account. This allows for the option to approve anyone who wants to follow a them. Another cool feature is the availability of 25 different languages users can communicate in, as well as the ability to embed your photos to either link it to an original source or to another page that showcases similar works.