Social Media in the Classroom

Currently one of the most debated topics in education is whether or not the use of social media is appropriate in the classroom. Social media is everywhere and students are proficient in its use. Between Facebook, Twitter, and Snap Chat students are constantly connected to one another and the world. So why not use that connection to further their education?

It comes down to responsibility and content. How do we as teachers ensure that students are responsibly using social media for learning purposes? How can we protect them from inappropriate content? Many teachers fear that if they introduce social media and students use it irresponsibly they will face punishment or disgruntled parents.

Some districts refuse to allow teachers to use social media. They block the content to ensure that students can't access it. I think this plays into the fear of inappropriate content and the perspective that it is not educational. How do teachers, who believe it can be used to further a students education, change this perspective?

I think that until we make the argument for social media in the classroom, opinions are not going to change. This course has allowed myself and my peers to respectfully debate this topic. We reviewed articles and arguments for both using social media and not. We each came to our own conclusion and presented our ideas.

Personally, I believe that social media could be an asset and should be used. Students need to understand the expectations and the purpose for using it. It needs to be taught that it can be used both as a cool way to connect with people but also an educational tool. We can show them by modeling how to use it and why. Twitter and Facebook can be used to connect with professionals in their field. We can allow students to Tweet NASA and ask questions to astronauts on the ISS. How cool is that? We can leave messages asking questions about cancer research to leaders in the field using Facebook. How is this not a valuable tool for students?

It will take time to have procedures and expectations put into place for students to use. Safety is important but we are teaching students to be global collaborators and digital citizens. They are going to have to want to use it responsibly. I think once they see the opportunities they will want to follow expectations and that fear with subside.

Social media is not going away. Why not utilize a tool that students are already familiar with to help enhance their learning?