When thinking of social media and networking and a media center, my first reaction is a definite DON'T. I can only see students glued to social media catching up with friends and posting statuses instead of any use that might be beneficial from an educational standpoint. I believe there are way too many risks to a student's safety and security for social media to have any place inside of a school setting. Having teenage siblings, I barely can get them off of their smartphones from being addicted to social networking websites to even eat dinner so I can imagine trying to teach a student while they are on such a website. I also shudder to think of the harm that social networking websites can bring to students as well. As a parent, the safety of my child is number one and I believe that social networking can hinder that feeling of safety with so many child predators out there. I know that isn't always the case, but it is a worry always in the back of my mind when my sister adds someone she doesn't know or I see another child joining a social networking discussion with people they do not know in person. I know there are always dangers out there but that is not something I would want to invite in my child's life or one of my students. I believe using social networking requires a lot of boundaries set forth by the school to ensure safety as well as teaching students about the dangers of sharing personal information. In some cases, I believe the risks outweigh the benefits in the end.
After reading the findings from AASL, my view on social networking media floundered a bit. In my mind, you say social networking or media and I immediately think of Twitter and Facebook. I did not think about blogging and other online tools which are by all means a way to social network which is the basis of social media. I guess my original viewpoint was a little narrow minded. I believe blogs have a big place in the classroom and can be a great collaborative activity for students such as what we are participating in this class. I also see the merit in social bookmarking websites like Diigo within an education atmosphere as well. Diigo and like apps are a great way to bookmark important websites and categorize them for later. I use it a lot when writing papers and performing research which I believe students could easily find it beneficial as well. Social networking inside of the media center opens the doors to a whole new level of collaboration. Imagine all of your students having the option to discuss an important event or something they just learned freely in an organized fashion while also learning how to utilize web tools. Students would be learning how to express their own thoughts and feelings in a productive way while also furthering their knowledge on a specific subject matter.
As far as social networking is concerned, I can see the benefits of networking tools, blogs, and media such as podcasts in a safe zone such as behind the school's intranet or firewall. If the safety parameters are set in place and it is monitored to make sure it does not get out of hand, I believe the opportunities are endless! On the flipside, I believe social networking and media websites such as Facebook and Twitter belong outside of the classroom. I am thankful for this assignment since it opened my eyes to a whole new viewpoint on social networking instead of my original standpoint.
I like your advice of putting social networking in a safe zone. I'm actually surprised that I've found two fellow bloggers on this topic that agree with proceeding with caution on social media. I've had to take phones away from students during assignments just to stop them from being on Facebook and other sites. They can't quit on their own and it is a disturbing trend. However, I know how popular it is and sometimes worry that I am being "old-fashioned" and outdated. Unfortunately I have seen the dark side with social networking and do not think it can be ignored completely. Like anything else, moderation is key and safety of our students is important. I've used Diigo with success and created some videos with Jing that I enjoy using and could see students using. SchoolTube is another safe way for students to express themselves and reach peers. Some days I just would like students to sit down and have a good, old-fashioned conversation. There doesn't seem to be as much time to do that as they are bent over their phones and keyboards online.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see I'm not the only one with hesitation about social networking. Keep in mind, I teach second grade, but I am in fear of these babies innocently pulling something up their innocent eyes shouldn't be exposed to. Social networking came into play last year for me when our computer lab teacher approached my teaching partner and me about using our classes to "pilot" blogging. My first reaction was, "Have you lost your mind?", then I settled down to listen to her explanation. I realize it was silly for me to respond in such a way. I, of course, trusted her; I was just amazed at the thought of second graders blogging. She introduced our students to Kid Blog. While I didn't work with it as much as I should have last year, over the summer as I was working on some of my assignments for my SLM certification I revisited it and found it to be fabulous. It is a controlled setting in which the teacher can choose to keep the blog within the members of the classroom or expand out to include others as specified. Once I saw the potential I knew I had to incorporate it into my classroom this year. It truly is a valuable resource in that students can blog the normal silliness you would expect from a class of second graders, but also answer questions and respond to writing prompts related to our standards. I absolutely love it! So, while I still have my hesitations and fears of inappropriate materials I do see more and more the potential.
ReplyDeleteThe reasons and concerns about safety that you mentioned are definitely legitimate when it comes to social networking and social media as it relates to school because we never want to purposefully invite any venue into our school community that can allow people who will misuse it to sneak through. Likewise with what you mentioned, Twitter and Facebook are the first things that pop into my mind when I think about teenagers and social media, and also Instagram. The unfortunate thing about these type of social venues is that students can use them for rumor spreading and even cyber bullying. In our new fast-paced world of exposing all personal business, even when its inappropriate, the dramas of the teenager life and issues with friendships and relationships often play out on social media platforms and then spill over into the school climate and atmosphere, so that is why I believe that inviting social networking into the schools is always an immediate "don't" for teachers and adults. Although this "spill over" can happen regardless, having social media access in the building only heightens the problem. I think that the value of the information transferred through these type of social websites is so low and risky and would require too much monitoring in order to maintain any decency that it is not worth doing. So, I agree with you 100%. However, when I read I too learned more about what social media and social networking can offer and the idea that I liked the most is the blogging. The potential for blogging to be added to students' courses as a regular thing is wonderful because it gets the conversation started and keeps it going about the assignments and projects that they are working on. Blogging offers a discussion board that can be monitored and even graded, much like the discussion posts that we experience as graduate students in this online program. I think that blogging is a wonderful way that teachers can add technology into their content regularly and something that the students can branch off and access in their own time from both school and home. And we all know that the more we can get our students excitement and talking about the assignment and sharing information, the better. So, in that respect, yes, social media does have some value and a place in the classroom and school environment.
ReplyDeleteAllowing social media and networking in school is almost not worth the risk as Sarita pointed out so well in her comments. Cyber bullying and threats, even if made in “jest” always have consequences; whether to the target or to the bullier. The school my kids attend encountered this last year when “threats” were made in a group chat about a teacher. The students involved were honors students involved in many academic, extra-curricular activities…not those you would expect to make such “mistakes” when it comes to social networking. The students lost all their honors standing-- NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, NSHS, etc. and it resulted in an insurmountable hit to their college resumes that they were building. Tough but important lesson for those students and for the whole student body to learn! So let’s consider why this could happen to these kids…. could it be the instant access to “secret” communication with peers and the lack of restraint and internal filtering that should happen in their minds? Maybe we need to start discussing internal filtering more with all of our students from Kindergarten on up?
ReplyDeleteThis being said I do think that collaborative use of social media is very helpful and can be successfully implemented on a limited basis when appropriate for specific projects. Blogging and use of discussion boards clarify things and allow for rewording of lecture information or assignments that may make sense to those who previously didn’t understand. Setting up group projects which can be done away from school allows incorporating technology into school work and the convenience of 24/7 access when face to face work sessions are not possible. This accomplishes 2 things: it helps students learn how to use tech applications, and it limits the possibility of some misuse of devices. .....many pros and cons....
Thank you for your honesty on this post. I agree that I automatically think of places like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook when I hear the words “social networking” and I am glad that I am not the only one. Perhaps it would be a better option to create a system of school appropriate sites and apps and call them “educational networking” rather social networking in order to bring more people on board with the idea. While I understand that schools use social networking programs such as Facebook and Instagram for educational and PR purposes, it makes me nervous to think of using them in a classroom setting. This is also a concern for using legitimate educational sites such as Google Classroom and Edmodo if the teacher/administrator of the sites does not properly set restrictions. Improperly set restrictions could lead to all out chaos and liability in the realm of cyber-bullying and students being exposed to material that is not appropriate for them. While using such sites would be touchy at the elementary level, it isn’t much better in the realm of middle and high school. Even though we like to think that our teenagers could be responsible enough to handle an open work space such as Edmodo and Google Classroom, the truth is that they still need supervision and limits while using these social networking sites.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a complicated issue. I appreciate Katie's bold position and all of the reasons why the risks to a student's safety and security are just too great to allow social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram into schools. Ten years ago I started using Blackboard for wikis and blogging, and I had to justify even this "protected" environment to parents. My (and the parents’) most significant concern then was creating a digital personality, a record of how students felt on hot-button issues at age 17 and 18, which they may not want to resurface later in life (I teach English, and our discussions are often on controversial topics/themes raised by the literature we read). Since then I have moved on to other platforms (I currently use Schoology), and this type of social networking is much more acceptable and widespread now, but I still worry. All it takes is a screen shot or a cell phone photo to destroy the “protected” environment. I have never used a public, open forum, and even though many teachers now have "professional" accounts for Twitter, Facebook, and the like, and they communicate directly with students in this way, I have resisted both personal and professional accounts on these platforms. Nevertheless, as my children get older I'm finding myself a victim of "adapt or get left behind." I had to relent and let my son join Facebook when he entered high school because he was missing band events that were publicized only to friends of the band, not the public page. Our school has an increasing presence on Twitter, and I feel that I am missing important information communicated this way. I have always been an advocate of exposing my students and my own children to everything (age appropriate) the world has to offer, teaching them how to deal with it, and I'm finding myself a bit hypocritical when it comes to social networking. Yet, as most of you have expressed, there’s good reason to be cautious. I am held responsible for these written discussions, and frankly the digital tools have invaded my private life. I am constantly monitoring the Schoology posts to make sure I don’t miss an inappropriate post, students email at all hours, expecting immediate responses, parents question a lack of response before even 24 hours have passed, and there is increasing administrative pressure for teachers to be on the lookout for cyber-bullying, even outside of school hours because schools are now held responsible for those issues as well.
ReplyDeleteKatie, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I must admit that I am on the fence when it comes to social media and utilizing it in the classroom setting. I know that quality instruction comes from a combination of best practices, research-based strategies, and technology integration. I have similar views as the ones that have been shared but I know that we are in an age where it is a part of our everyday lives. The information from the AASL poll, did shed light on the social media resources that can enhance instruction. The use of networking tools, blogs, and podcast are additions that can be used to share ideas, create digital writing assignments, and make learning more engaging. I personally would avoid social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for instructional purposes. There are many other educational friendly resources that can be used instead. Monitoring student use of social media is key in ensuring that students are using them to complete assignments and projects, however this can be a difficult and time consuming task. My school district does a pretty good job with blocking inappropriate sites for students. We are in an age where technology is a part of our everyday life but it is still our duty to protect our students and personal children from the dangers that lurk behind social media. I have not joined Facebook or Twitter and I am proud that I have yet to give in to the temptation! I do feel that I may be missing pertinent information from my school district and media specialist, which both have Twitter accounts. Also, I have two middle school students, who are constantly mentioning sites such as Kik and ooVoo. I know that the day is coming when they will want to join these or similar sites and I will have to make a difficult decision.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome post. I appreciate the fact that you were honest, open, and candid. I respect your opinion in regards to the fusion of school libraries and social media. As an avid advocate for social media in education, this post has allowed me insight into the negatives of social media in the world of education as it relates to classrooms and school libraries. Safety parameters definitely need to be set and outlined when it comes to the use of any type of social media, especially those operated soley by students. I also didn't know that blogs, and podcasts are are under the social media umbrella. I've always referred to them as technology tools or devices. I use the blog PB works in my class very often as a tool of communication and expression for the students and to informally and formally assess them. The log comes standard with the option to add strict filters, however, it does not filter the use of inappropriate words, this is something I have to actively mointor on a regular. I operate a class Twitter page but other than that, Facebook and Twitter are not used in my classroom or in the Media Center by the students.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post and am on the fence about social media as well. I see it as an awesome tool as long as it is used by students in an appropriate manner. The problem with social media is getting students to use it responsibility. Teachers are aware of the fact that some students are going to abuse technology and try and access inappropriate sites. I know our school has a program that blocks any inappropriate website. With that being said, you still have tech savvy students who will be able to navigate around those "blocks". I guess my question is do we totally forsake technology in order to stop a few who may abuse the privilege? In my opinion, technology in today's society is too important for schools systems to not expose students to technology. The future job market will require students to be able to navigate different forms of technology. I think the rewards of technology far outweigh the risks.
ReplyDeleteI’m with you on the change of heart, Katie – and my heart isn’t all the way changed yet. In my mind, I still equate social media either with kids whose nose is fused to their smartphone screen or with gossip and bullying behaviors - or with pedophiles and terrorists trying to take advantage of vulnerable kids. But after taking another look at the possibilities social media has for fostering collaboration in the schools, I agree with your insights about using it in instruction. I just recently attended an in-service training on the instructional possibilities of Pinterest – and it’s pretty thought provoking. I also agree with you about the proper place for Facebook and Twitter being outside the school…at least as of yet, I haven’t yet figured out a way to connect them to instruction. I like what you said about teaching kids to be safe and establishing a ‘safe zone’ behind firewalls at school. Thanks for your thoughtful words.
ReplyDeleteKatie, When I was first reading your blog I was saying to myself, "yes, finally someone that sees social networking as I see it!" That being said, I don't have Facebook account for many reasons, one of which is I see it as being a drain on actual socializing. Since I have an aversion to social networking myself I too only think of things like Facebook and Twitter only when hearing those words. I agree that Facebook and Twitter should be saved for student time outside of school and even then I think there needs to be more layers to protection for children. I appreciated your change of heart and it has made me realize that my closed mindedness to networking might actual prohibit me from allowing students opportunities to collaborate and share their successes. I agree that students collaboration should be done behind a layer of protection. I look forward to learning many other ways to network with students.
ReplyDeleteI am old fashioned. I am 41 and just now got a smart phone. It can become addicting. I am an adult who knows how to put it down, but some children do not have that much self discipline. I think that just because the technology is out there does not mean that everyone, especially children, know how to use it properly. Children, by their very nature, do not have a sense of self control when it comes to regulating things in their lives. While I think that technology (and social media) has its place, I think that adults placing proper restrictions on the use of said technology is ultimately what children need. Not only to they need to be protected, but also educated about the proper and safe way to use technology inside and outside of the classroom. According to Rhonda Boggs, media specialist at McClure Middle School, "the majority of them [social networking sites] are blocked for teachers and for students. For example, if the school has a Facebook or Twitter page, those are unblocked only for the teacher/person who monitors and posts on those sites as a representative of the school. To my knowledge, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. are blocked. (personal communication)" Although I think that there is a plethora of social networking sites available for educators, the school system must draw the proverbial line in the sand when it comes to allowing access to these types of sites for students. Unfortunately, this ties the hands of tech savvy educators who could make use of these Web 2.0 tools in their classroom. It seems like a catch-22 where no one really wins.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such an honest and open post about Social Media and its place in education. After reading through your post, I got intrigued as to how to use Twitter in the classroom and it be beneficial. I found a great site at http://www.teachhub.com/50-ways-use-twitter-classroom that gives a list (I love lists) of 50 potential ideas. I really liked the idea of using Twitter to have students write a poem in 140 characters. For students who don't like writing, I think this would be short enough writing project that even they would participate. Also, you have the added bonus of being able to use Twitter. Another idea I found to be really neat was the idea of having the students role play as a historical figure and creating tweets as that person from that time. And another good idea was for a math teacher, where they could tweet a daily problem and students would answer back using Twitter as well.
ReplyDeleteOf course there is always the danger of students trying to venture away from where they are supposed to be on the internet and social media, but I think with the proper teaching and modeling and safety precautions, students will inherently enjoy using social media correctly. And for those students who persist in doing the wrong thing, then teachers can always prepare a backup assignment without the use of social media.
I think you covered this topic wonderfully! Social media has so many great uses and it is a shame that so many people use it for harm. Our school, school library and most of the teachers have Facebook pages, but they are used outside of the school day. It is an amazing way for us as parents to connect with teachers (they will post homework assignments, photos, information about field trips, etc.). So I say YES to Facebook as a way for adults to communicate with each other. I also like how you pointed out that Blogger and Diigo are forms of social media - just outside the norms of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
ReplyDeleteI have a love/hate relationship with social media for students because of all of the incorrect information I see shared. I do think that a teacher using social media (Twitter, specifically) to teach students about media literacy could be a great lesson – to see both sides of an argument, played out via hashtags, could also be a great teaching moment for a high school teacher. I wouldn't risk elementary and middle school students on Twitter.