Social networking isn't just for kids, reports the Oregonian: Schools, too, are getting into the act. In the Portland metro area, at least eight districts made the leap this fall, signing up for Twitter or Facebook. Though the sites won't replace the more traditional forms of communication anytime soon, they provide another way to reach out to plugged-in parents, residents without kids, and even students themselves. At the same time, the new domain comes with a new set of questions about how to maintain the district-sponsored sites, what kind of content is appropriate, and who should have access to the sites during the workday. Portland Public Schools' Facebook page has been up for about a month and is designed to provide a more casual platform for people to see announcements. The site also provides a way for the district to get instant feedback on news alerts and articles, said district spokesman Matt Shelby. So far, the district has 307 "fans" following its daily updates. "We're not talking about a real viable communication tool yet," Shelby said. "As more people sign on and more people are viewing and interacting, there will be a variety of uses we can find for it."
Click here for the full story
More News from eSchool News
White House order prioritizes AI in schools
A new executive order signed by President Trump takes aim at AI policies in K-12 education by “fostering interest and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) technology from an early age to maintain America’s global dominance in this technological revolution for future generations.”
‘Too many apps for that’ in schools
A “patchwork of apps” in schools often leads to app fatigue, frustrating parents and educators who have to use multiple apps weekly, or even daily, according to new research from Cornerstone Communications, LTD. and Edsby.
How 4 districts use AI tools to transform education
Simply put, AI can do a lot–it can personalize learning, help students expand on ideas for assignments, and reduce time spent on administrative tasks, freeing up educators to spend more time on instruction.
What I learned building an AI tool for my own kids (and millions more worldwide)
A recent survey found that 88 percent of U.S. parents believe AI is essential to their children’s education, but most aren’t even sure whether the technology is being used in their child’s classroom.
Can AI help reduce math anxiety?
As AI becomes more widespread in education, more than half of high school students (56 percent) polled think it can go a long way in reducing math anxiety, a new global survey shows.
Here’s what birdwatching taught me about classroom management
Teachers often seem to have eyes in the back of their heads. They respond to a murmured question in a class full of conversation. They can tell if someone’s skipping class a floor away by reading faces in the room.
Beyond digital literacy: Why K-12 educators must prioritize data literacy
While digital literacy has become an aspirational cornerstone of modern education, the exponential growth of data-driven decision-making across industries reveals critical gaps that demand a stronger focus on data literacy.
How to teach K-12 coding without computers
Teaching K-12 coding without computers may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a powerful way to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of computer science and problem-solving without the distraction of technology.
SkillsUSA competitions give students hands-on experience with career skills
The most effective way for students to learn career-ready skills in fields such as advanced manufacturing and robotics is by applying these skills in the context of authentic projects and real-world scenarios.
The human edge in the AI era
In the Future of Jobs 2025 report, the World Economic Forum predicts that 60 percent of jobs will require upskilling or retraining, or they’ll be threatened. The skills we have today may not keep us secure for long.