How can and should schools use social media?

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. Teachers who want to use social media should be encouraged to do so but responsibly. If your district says that students faces must be covered then take the time to ensure that they follow that rule. Some teachers, including myself, have specific permission slips for students to be featured on social media accounts that are setup for only classroom use. This is in addition to our district internet usage permission slip. It acts as a 2nd layer of protection for myself and my students.

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. Many schools struggle with discipline for inappropriate use of the internet. Personally, at our school social media is not allowed for students and is blocked. So inappropriate use comes down to games, content they are searching online, or playing music while they work. I saw students get in trouble for the same offense and have different punishments. It depended on who the student was and how the administrator was feeling at the time. This to me is inconsistent and there needs to be a policy in place that administrators follow and students can expect.

To implement these policies I think students should be allowed to participate in their creation. What is causing students to want to do these things? Curiosity? Is music really a bad thing? I think students would be able to add valuable insight into student thinking and how teachers and administrators could help solve the issues. I think if students were aware of what the consequences were and what they could do instead of breaking the rules we would see a decrease inappropriate behavior online.

I also think this plays to the lack of digital citizenship being taught. Teachers are left to do this on their own and don't know what to do or where to start. I believe that teaching digital citizenship should be on the technology coaches within districts. They should be planning and creating a curriculum that allows students to truly learn through practice what digital citizenship is and why its important. Giving students background on why we should act a specific way online and that they will be held to those standards would give them value insight they need to make good choices online.

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