Social Media in Education
What Should Schools Do About It?
Should Teachers and Students Interact on Social Networking Sites?
The cat is out of the bag; social networking sites are omnipresent in our students' daily lives. Even prominent news stations urge their viewers to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to find out more about current issues. It is time for school districts to move from controlling usage in their schools to helping teachers and learners create efficient and effective learning communities.
Properly Used, Social Networks Provide Another Teaching Tool
"The continual connectivity and direct communication made possible through social media tools is what has essentially changed communication forever." Left to their own devices, students will Google everything and choose the top response. By providing guidance through a social network, teachers can steer their classes to find the right stuff. Schools can actually compete for a student's attention with a dynamic approach.
Answering Community Concerns
We've all heard the issues. On the top of most lists are teachers interacting inappropriately with students and students becoming victims of predators via the Internet. Bullying is frequently mentioned as well. One has only to read last summer's article from Mashable to find numerous examples of social media behavior gone awry.
Some districts have reacted by adopting restrictive policies. Generally, these include barring specific sites and forbidding teacher-student interaction via the web. But, studies show that this type of approach only provides a false sense of protecting kids and does little to help them as they move into the real world without those barriers.
Some districts have reacted by adopting restrictive policies. Generally, these include barring specific sites and forbidding teacher-student interaction via the web. But, studies show that this type of approach only provides a false sense of protecting kids and does little to help them as they move into the real world without those barriers.
Can Social Media and School Policies be "Friends"?
This article from (ASCD) includes federal regulations and guidelines that have been adopted since 1998, along with district responses from across the nation explaining how they have implemented these mandates. A broad range of reactions - and outcomes - has been noted. Where does your district fall in the spectrum?
Creating Effective Policies
Clear, smart guidelines for using social networking in the classroom should be coupled with high-quality professional development on digital literacy and citizenship. A number of districts across the country have established regulations specifically for social networking in addition to their existing acceptable use policies. Links to these policies are provided below.
New York City
NYC requested feedback from its educators to develop their guidelines, stating, "It is important for school and central staff to use tools like social networks ... in a way that protects the privacy and safety of our students and employees."
Minnetonka, Minnesota
While Minnetonka allows their teachers to utilize social networking, they forbid using district email addresses on social networking sites unless district approval is gained. Their policies are clearly stated throughout.
Los Angeles
Included in this district's policy is the requirement that all employees keep their personal and professional online identities separate.
Free Guide for Districts
Edudemic provides this student-friendly document and allows districts to modify it to meet their needs.
How Can STI Help You?
If you need additional guidance, help with planning or on-site training, please contact us:
Email: sales@sti-k12.com
Website: www.sti-k12.com
Location: 739 N University Blvd, Mobile, AL, United States
Phone: 800.844.0884
Twitter: @stik12