After reading the four assigned articles, I have to admit that using social media as a educational tool doesn't sound like a terrible idea. Perhaps my reluctance to using social media comes from the fact that I only use Facebook, and that half of what I see there is for my amusement. The articles gave me the impression that social media websites are directly beneficial and convenient for teachers, but in the four articles that I read, there was only two instances where students benefitted from social media in the classroom. If I find more convincing ways to use social media with students, other than to remind them about when their homework is due, I would definitely say I would not oppose to allowing them to tweet. I think that the notorious reputation of social networking websites changed when you pull the "it's for school" card. I hate to admit it but, although there might be more "safer" websites which allow students from all over the world to connect with one another, Twitter is popular enough that everyone will know it exists and how to use it.
The biggest con I see with combining social media and the classroom (specifically with teacher and student interaction), is that as one of the articles points out, there is a risk of miscommunication. Also, keeping in mind the younger students, there might be a higher risk for them to be exposed to inappropriate content, which could also be blamed on the teacher.I come back to the ever so troubling reality that not all students may have the technological access to tweet to the teacher, so if I ever do decide to have twitter as a way to communicate with my students, I will make sure that every single one of my students has access to Twitter or any other kind of social media, otherwise it would be unfair to the student who doesn't have a smartphone or computer with internet access. The pros outweigh the cons in my opinion, because when teachers use social media to interact with teachers outside of their schools, and reach out to teachers all over the world, not only are we picking up on great new ideas for lesson plans, but we are setting a great example to our students by showing them that online social networks can be used for more than just posting pictures of ourselves. As a student who is about to go into the credential program, I find it extremely comforting to know that these social networking sites will be available for me to reference anytime I need help or support.
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the primary benefit of social media is for teachers to communicate with each other and share lesson plans, ideas, advice for handling certain situations, etc. As teachers, it's our responsibility to reach out to students in a way that everyone is able to access. You mentioned that you wouldnt tweet if not everyone could get to a computer to see your tweets. I agree that that has to be a consideration. However, I fear that there is so way to reach students outside of class that guarantees that they'll be able to read your message. You could call, but they might not pickup. You can email everyone, but then you get back to some students lacking internet access. Eventually, I hope, the internet will be seen by the government as essential and they will subsidize it the way they do heat/electric for low income families. Because in reality, the internet is indeed essential for growing as a student and eventually getting a career.
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteAs future teachers we understand importance of communication with my students, teachers, and parents. As you point out miscommunication is always a strong possibility, especially with the lower social economic communities. There are no perfect solutions but I believe is technology is beginning to take root in those communities and using the social media for communication is just one of many avenues that needs to be used.
You mention that you want to make sure all students have access before you choose to use a social network- agreed! Within the first week of school you should have contacted the parents and prepare a discussion for Back To School Night to educate the PARENTS as well! Because social media in the classroom does have a negative connotation, it's incredibly important for teachers to clear the fog around the issue, as it were. A simple miscommunication can be the difference between enriched student learning and losing your job over an angry parent. Never forget about the parents!
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