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October 21st, 2011
Ten ways schools are using social media effectively
Readers discuss how they use social networking in their schools, list helpful resources
Many "families ‘like’ our Facebook page. This gives us a great tool to communicate quickly with a good portion of our parents," said one reader.
Smart phones might be getting the green light in more schools around the country, but social networking is still getting the yellow in many schools: Parents are worried about bullying, teacher-student online relationships are questioned, and school security can be compromised all too easily, some critics fear.
To understand how social media, an almost integral part of our current culture, can benefit K-12 schools and districts, we asked eSchool News readers: “Name one way you use social networking in your school/district. Or, if you can’t/don’t currently use social networking, how would you like to?”
From professional development to providing real-world examples of mathematics, readers say it’s time to make the best of what can be a valuable resource for education. Here are some of the top ways they’re using social networking in their schools.
How have social media enhanced your own district, school, or classroom environment? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
10. Professional development
“In my professional role, I’ve become very quickly reliant on Twitter and Facebook to inform me of trends and Web 2.0 tools I should be considering using with students/sharing with staff. For the most part, social networking is blocked in our district, and it’s frustrating to not have access to ed-tech blogs I’d like to check with on school time.” —Marcia Dressel, K-5 librarian, Osceola, Wis.
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seyit
October 22, 2011 at 6:52 pm
It is great study. Thank you for that.
mrmr
October 25, 2011 at 6:46 am
very true …Many thnx
MetSchoolsBW
October 25, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Meris:
Thank you for posting this article on social media and how schools are using them!
There is a a ton of potential for professionals in education to network with each other throughout the world using social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
Community outreach through social media platforms is a great way to promote school spirit as well as reflect on the accomplishments of each school.
As long as social media is done with professionalism and integrity that your school represents, it’s a great way to be visible and be a leader in your community.
Sincerely,
Bambi Weavil
Marketing and Communications Coordinator for
MetSchools, Inc.
Twitter: @MetSchoolsBW
Facebook: MetSchools, Inc. on Facebook
dsm757
October 29, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Thank you for Posting this article. I have been reading it for the past few months and have found very useful information. I am in the midst of struggling with my school district with the use of technology. We are extremely behind the curve and need to make a commitment to move our students into the 21st century. I cannot eve use google earth of all things! It will be an uphill stuggle.
David
Life Skills Special Ed
Freeport High School, Freeport IL.
kmadden491
November 4, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Meris,
Good article. Schools are a little behind on social networking, but look how long it took to get rid of overhead projectors. I was encouraged to see some of the creative ways that teachers are using it. It won’t be long before social networking is one of the major platforms for education – probably through the blended learning model.
kurt
Kurt Madden, CTO, Fresno Unified
adriankimble
January 5, 2012 at 2:34 pm
they are given all the pro’s but the list is as twice as long for the con’s.