Social media is a valuable tool when used appropriately and with common sense
Social media isn’t exactly new, but its educational uses are still evolving. Many educators are able to use Twitter, Facebook, and blogs with their students, but other teachers find that their school districts block access to these and other social networking sites.
Most would argue that social media, when used responsibly and appropriately by educators and students, has many uses in the classroom. Educators are using social media as a powerful tool for student learning, professional development, and to create and maintain personal learning networks (PLNs).
Social media is any form of online publication or presence that allows interactive communication and that is published somewhere, said Lisa Nielsen, director of Digital Literacy and Citizenship at the New York City Department of Education author of the blog The Innovative Educator [1].
(Next page: Nielsen’s social media recommendations)
Educators must be careful with their personal social media networks, especially if they interact with students or students’ parents. Some educators establish two accounts—one for personal use and another for professional use—while others keep their accounts locked down and accessible only to friends.
Sometimes, the best approach is found in knowing how not to use social media as an educator. Using real-world examples from actual teachers, Nielsen described actions best avoided when it comes to social networking and the classroom.
Here’s what NOT to do:
- Don’t “like” students’ personal photos
- Abide by school dress code in online spaces—don’t post pictures in which you’re dressed inappropriately
- Use discretion with social media profile pictures and cover photos
- Don’t post vacation photos online if you’ve called in sick that day
- Be aware of photos of you that are posted and tagged by others, and know how to control your privacy settings
- Don’t post or write negative comments about fellow staff, students, or families, even if it’s within a private group
Using social media to effectively engage students starts with knowing students’ passions, Nielsen said.
When educators know their students’ interests, what careers they’re interested in, and their goals, educators can help students form positive digital footprints and connect those goals to the social media channels that can promote success.
Online rules are changing, Nielsen noted. “That rule of ‘don’t meet strangers on the internet’ has evolved,” she said. “Do it wisely, and verify who the people are. But our students can make some amazing global connections online.”
Sometimes, educators run into roadblocks in the form of administrators or filters that prevent classroom access to social media tools. Educators could choose to maintain class pages or accounts outside of the classroom and connect with parents and students that way, while others have had success in showing administrators that secure, private social media pages or accounts can truly engage students.
Students without home internet access or access to devices are able to contribute to class groups or accounts when classroom access to social media tools is permitted, and this could help convinced administrators to allow such access.
Nielsen recommended that schools blocking social media access could connect with other schools or districts that allow such practices, in order to discover and see first-hand the benefits of a more open policy.
A survey from the University of Phoenix College of Education [2] revealed that 80 percent of more than 1,000 K-12 teachers surveyed said they worry about implications or complications that might arise from interacting with students or parents on social media.
(Next page: Detailed survey results)
Four out of five K-12 educators said they use social media for personal or professional purposes, and of those educators, 34 percent said they have had difficulties with students and/or parents trying to connect with them through social media.
“On one hand, social media can be a valuable tool for learning and connecting with students and parents; on the other, it can invite inappropriate behavior and misuse,” said Kathy Cook, Director of Educational Technology for University of Phoenix College of Education.
Just 18 percent of teachers surveyed said they use social media in their own classrooms, and 55 percent said they do not and do not plan to. Twenty-seven percent said they do not currently use social media in their classrooms, but want to do so.
In fact, there is a growing movement for educators to have the means to connect with students through the technologies and resources students use in their daily personal lives, including social media.
“Students are engaged daily in social media, so it presents a great way to connect with them,” said Cook. “Social media can also help tie classroom learning to real-world scenarios, which can enhance student learning. Many teachers see the value of using these tools in the classroom, but may be reluctant to engage without clear guidelines and training.”
Only 29 percent of teachers said they received what they feel is significant or adequate training about how to interact with students and parents through social media.