This link demonstrates some wonderful methods by which social media is engaging students and bringing learning to life. I love the ideas, and the way that it enhances student learning using social media, as it is so much a part of our students' lives now.
http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2012/04/24-education-technology-west The link below presents a case against social media, and also offers many valid points. This week in my class, my students held a discussion regarding social media in the classroom. http://acampbell99.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/the-case-against-social-media-in-education-2/. My personal opinion is that social media is making learning fun and engaging for our students. However, before a teacher uses social media, there need to be some guidelines in place to help keep our students safe. Teachers need to instruct students in good digital citizenship, and make sure they understand the expectations of the teacher and the school in that regard. Administration should be a part of the process as well, so that the school is aware of the context of the social media use, and the teachers can be fully supported. I have used padlet.com with my students and parents on back-to-school night, and it was posted on our school's Twitter feed as well. I used it to allow parents to introduce themselves, and to post a summer vacation photo. My back-to-school night was the best and most engaging I had ever had, so I will likely use that technique again next year. My students hail from all over Northern California, and they report that their experiences with technology in the classroom have not always been positive. It is my hope that as technology develops, a form of social media might be developed just for teachers and students that can be moderated by instructors before a student is permitted to post. I also believe that foul and offensive language should be prevented on the site. Furthermore, I feel that access to media should be restricted to teachers, students, and parents, so that strangers cannot initiate contact and possibly place our students at risk. We want learning to be engaging and fun, but we must also keep our students safe.
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