Social media is here. It's just another resource and
doesn't have to be a distraction from learning objectives. Social media is
another tool that you can use to make your classroom more engaging, relevant
and culturally diverse. Outside the classroom, many students already
are using social media every day to communicate and gather information about
various topics. By harnessing this interest, teachers can create an online
environment that promotes the exchange of ideas and resources, and allows
students to develop an understanding of the benefits of effective
communication.
The current generation of K-12 students has been
“completely normalized by digital technologies,” and is accustomed to using new
media not only to gather information but also to create new things in new ways.
Some students will likely be more comfortable
communicating online rather than in the classroom, where they may feel too
intimidated to ask questions. Additionally, teachers may gain a clearer picture
of their students’ progress through an online forum that is not constrained by
classroom schedules and school hours. Through respectful and effective
communication via a social media site, teachers can take the pulse of their
classroom by identifying areas of instruction where students may be flourishing
or struggling.
Incorporating the use of social media, particularly in
middle and high school, also allows teachers to discuss the real-world
implications of its use and the potential pitfalls, such as bullying,
harassment and inappropriate content. Students may not realize that their
digital footprint is difficult to erase and that the comments or photos they
post online can have life-altering consequences. Creating a safe environment
online for students is paramount, as is teaching them how to maintain such safe
behaviors outside the realm of school-related posts. Enriched Learning
Experience
Social networks and other digital technology can enrich
the classroom experience by connecting students with peers and experts around
the globe. Through Skype, for example, classes can use real-time video chats as
part of collaborative projects with other schools regardless of their
geographic location.
Meanwhile, video-sharing sites such as Vine and YouTube
allow students to learn about topics from the viewpoint of professionals and
other students, as well as providing a platform for students to create their
own learning materials to share. Blogs also are a great way to encourage
students to express themselves, share their knowledge and develop a following
in their area of knowledge.
Pros
of using social media in the classroom:
1. Social media sites can increase student collaboration
Social media sites provide an avenue for students to
easily contact one another regarding school projects, group assignments or for
help on homework assignments.
2. Using social media in the classroom can encourage more
participation
Students who do not participate regularly in class may
feel they can express their thoughts through social media. Although this should not completely replace
in class participation it can help build the students’ confidence and encourage
them to find their voice and be able to participate in class.
3. Social media sites can be useful for homework help
When students have questions about a class assignment
they can easily post a message asking if anyone can help. They can also write a specific question to
the teacher on a wall that other students can see. This allows the whole class to have access to
the feedback from the teacher.
4. Share resources quickly when using social media in the
classroom
If the teacher needs to direct students to a particular
online resource they can easily share the site through social media sites like
twitter. If the teacher wants the class
to visit a particular site all they have to do is tweet the website and the
entire class can view it with one click.
5. Social media helps keep parents, teachers and students
all on the same page
It is very useful for teachers to be able to post on
social media sites about class activities, homework assignments and even school
events. This helps the teachers, parents
and students all stay on the same page about what is going on at school. Sites like facebook also allow teachers to
easily communicate through private messages to parents and students without
having to leave phone messages and wait for a call back.
5
cons of having social media in the classroom:
1. Social media can be a distraction in class
The first concern that comes to mind when using social
media in the classroom is how it will be a major distraction to the students
during lessons. Students could easily be
sidetracked from an assignment and it could be difficult for teachers to tell
who is paying attention or not.
2. Improper use of social media in the classroom
Students might take advantage of being able to access
social media in the classroom and use it for personal interactions instead of
for school related activities. If
students are not closely monitored it will be hard to know how if they are
using social media properly during class time.
3. Using social media in the classroom can detract from
human interaction
If students are encouraged to participate in class
discussions through social media websites this could impact their ability to
interact in face to face situations.
Students still need to learn how to have conversations with people even
in this modern technology based world.
4. Cyber bullying on social media websites
Some students have experienced cyber bullying through
social media websites. If social media
is allowed in schools this could increase cyber bullying where students write
hurtful messages targeting other students.
5. Posting inappropriate content on social media websites
One of the reasons social media sites are not allowed in
schools is because it is difficult to monitor how students use social media
sites. A student may post inappropriate
content such as pornography or foul language which would be both distracting
and damaging to students.
E-safety
What are the guidelines in regards to e-safety provision
in schools? How can a school protect and educate staff and pupils in its use of
technology?, and what measures the school has in place to intervene and support
should a particular issue arise.
As the framework is concerned with safeguarding pupils,
it has to be a top priority for schools. Many schools might already have
effective policies and systems in place, but those who haven't will need to
revise their priorities to make sure this features are in place. As a parent
and teacher, I want to know that my child and students are safe in school, I
want to know that they are empowered with the knowledge to be safe when they go
online, and I want to know that staff have a good understanding of what safe
means in any context to do with technology. Many people get very wrapped up in blaming the technology
as the facilitator of risk, but this really isn't the case. Risk and behaviour
are the two fundamental principles of e-safety. In other words, if you don't
know what an online risk is, your online behaviour can put you at risk.
Learning about e-safety is a vital life skill. Empowering
children at an early age with the knowledge to safeguard themselves and their
personal information is something that needs to be nurtured throughout school
to see them into adult life. Equally it is important to empower adults,
particularly parents and teachers, with the right information so that they can
identify risky behaviour, or mitigate the possibility of risk.
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