Clubhouse combines all the powers of social media with and audio-focused app that's ideal for group learning, and as such, is being well used in education.
While not designed for education specifically, this has seen a lot of teacher uptake as its audio focus allows for the sharing of ideas and techniques between teachers, schools, and districts. Consequently, this be a great way for teachers to socialize and explore as well as for students to do the same.
Clubhouse initially shot to fame as an invite-only platform, which helped draw plenty of people who didn't want to miss out on what was happening. But now anyone can join, and it's actually turned out to be a very useful tool, beyond the initial hype.
Read on to find out how Clubhouse could be useful for your class.
What is Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is a social media app that is available on iOS and Android devices. It is an audio-only platform through which users can publish their talks or have others listen.
As a user of the platform it's possible to listen in to a talk, a bit like being at a TED conference, but in this case you can raise a hand to participate.
Clubhouse used to be invite-only, but now anyone can access it.
Clubhouse is useful to teachers but could also be useful to students. If you spot an interesting talk or group that relates to a certain subject you're teaching, it could be flagged to students with access as extra research.
What's New in Clubhouse?
Clubhouse has gone through many regular updates of late and in the most recent one there have been some helpful new features added. Now you can create and discover rooms based on your interests using new tools.
- Start an interest based room by tapping a topic at the top of the hallway to connect with others sharing the same interest.
- Meet new people with notifications of others that share similar interests.
- Public rooms allow friends and friends-of-friends to see these and discover new options.
- Add favorite topics to your profile and discover even more rooms that may interest you.
How does Clubhouse work?
Clubhouse can be downloaded onto an iPhone or iPad and installed. It then will ask you to sign in using an account you create.
Once you find a "room" that interests you, enter as a listener and, if you're made an admin by the speaker, you can also raise your hand to request to speak. Or set up your own room and invite others to get your voice heard and have a discussion.
Clubhouse can be used by teachers to, effectively, engage in a 24/7 staff room that is filled with a vast array of different teachers, administrators, artists, scientists, thinkers, businesses, creators, innovators, influencers, and others. All having conversations that could relate to what you're thinking about – or hadn't yet thought to think on.
From general knowledge, to pedagogy to a specific subject matter – there are lots of areas to engage in.
What are the best Clubhouse features?
Clubhouse features some great rooms for teachers including the Ed Clubhouse discussion that happens on Wednesdays. These have varying topics that cover the likes of the curriculum, school culture, and more. This works with structured discussions that are open for attendees to offer questions and create debate.
The audio-based nature of this platform is very appealing as it allows for wider use. For example, you can listen in to a conference that may had previously had to get on a plane to reach. Now rather than the hassle of travel and booking a hotel room, you can listen on your phone while out walking the dog.
Clubhouse not only offers a place to learn, for teachers, but also a space to commiserate with one another as sharing with like-minded fellow educators can offer great relief.
Some useful educators and beyond for teachers to follow in Clubhouse include:
- @simply_saraj - Atlanta educator Sarrita Allen
- @askdrq - education researcher Sabba Quidwai
- @lportnoy - cognitive scientist and author of Design to Learn Lindsay Portnoy
- @MomOfAllCapes - Let's K12 Better Podcast host Amber Coleman-Mortley
- @holyyclarkedu - Infused Classroom series author Holly Clark
How much does Clubhouse cost?
Clubhouse is totally free to download and use.
