Sorry folks...I had internet issues yesterday and didn't get this one posted.
Social media use by students can be a slippery slope. Are you encouraging your students to utilize social media to enhance or expand their learning or to share things they are creating? How are you or how is your school helping students learn how to use social media safely?
For next week we will be reading the next chapter, titled "Getting Started with Social Media." (Don't worry...the question next time will not be about Twitter:)
A few of our teachers have Facebook pages and Twitter pages that encourage students to explore possible sources of learning and to share their learning. Our schools and district also have Facebook pages and Twitter pages to share good news about our students/teachers. The pages created by our teachers/schools/district provide positive, acceptable ways to use social media. In addition, at least one of our high school courses includes direct instruction about responsible use of technology and social media.
ReplyDeleteSadly, my school (and, I believe, most other schools) typically addresses poor social media use in a reactionary manner. A couple times a week I have to meet with girls who have chosen to make unacceptable posts/comments on social media. I would love for these interactions to be more proactive than reactive, but I have yet to find the key to making that transition.
Luckily, as a parent, I did not have to deal with drama associated with social media. My son typically posts things that interest him or make him laugh. He only tags people when he is showing appreciation. He occasionally posts frustration when he's having a bad day. I'm not bragging...I'm just sharing that students can learn to use social media wisely if the proper relationships have been established and the expectations are clear.
I think most students need a lot of training when it comes to appropriate use of social media. I think students will need a lot of training and convincing in order to open up social media sites on the school networks.
ReplyDeleteWith training, social media can be a positive avenue to display work and keep parents and students in the loop with the happenings in the classrooms and the school.
Our students are so used to using social media for personal use that I think it would be hard for them to transition to using it in an educational setting. Many of them really don't know what is appropriate to share or the language to use. The students that I teach online during the summer have to be constantly reminded to not use texting shortcuts when they e-mail me. As we roll out the Chromebooks this fall, we all need to be thinking of ways to teach the students to properly use social media. I am wondering if the middle school could offer a class on this to all students during the enrichment period?
ReplyDeleteSandy...I did talk to Mr. Jones about a class, but worth the new principal in the MS this year, I do not see this happening.
DeleteMaybe we could think about the logistics of social media in the context of classroom use. I know that many learning management systems say that are "like" Facebook in format, but give the protection of filters and teachers. If we start teaching our students the difference between school/professional posting and personal posting, we may be headed in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I encourage my students to use twitter, facebook, and other social media networks. I do however have explained what not to do on social networks. Many of my students do not have social media accounts. I have found out that some parents have put age limits on their kids.
ReplyDeleteI actual can't wait to start school because I want to ask the students so many questions about social media and what they think the purpose of it is for them. When we get back I am going to give a presentation to each of my study skills classes of the correct way to use social media and how it can be advantage to use it.
Robert, there are some great websites that can help with this issue. I will forward some emails to you soon with some important links.
DeleteThanks so much that would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteI have found social media to be a tremendous tool for students. That said, at this point, its kind of like water flowing through a creek - its has varing velocities and has a tendency to take its own path. I'm working towards more of a model of a water sluice. Someway to channel the energy in a calculated direction with predetermined outcomes.
ReplyDeleteIn the hands of a capable FFA member, it has proven to be a great student-driven tool for communication and public relations. It may be a reflection of my age, but I can't seem to accept incomplete grammar, etc. so we have rules about posting. Students also blog and make comments on class-based site and FB pages. Same complete sentence rule applies.