Social Media

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFZ0z5Fm-Ng&NR=1

     In this blog, I will cite the benefits of using social media for both the student and the teacher.

     The purpose of schools is to prepare our students to be successful citizens.  We are in the 21st century and we must teach skills that reflect our global environment.  In addition to making sure that our students master the Ohio standards in Reading, Writing, and Math, we must also teach Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Innovation.  Gone are the days that the teacher is the "sage on stage" and the students watch and listen.  Now education is student-centered and the teacher is the guide.  Learning is not a 9:30-4:00 day, but should be accessible to students 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.  This can only be made possible with the social media resources and all of its wonderful tools including computer and programs, cell phones, ipads, ipods, etc.

     The first thing teachers must do is to instruct the students on being safe on the internet and being aware of the digital footprints they will be leaving behind.  Students must learn the benefits of posting insightful, intelligent, creative, positive, and true "traces" online and the consequences of leaving bad traces.  Next, students need to learn netiquette, the good manners in using technology.  Finally, students must learn the basics of computers and its programs.  Teachers must be sure to recognize that the students come from a wide range of experience levels and the students with little experience will need more help and mentoring so that these students are not overwhelmed,  frustrated, and give up.  Teachers must make sure that the resources are easily accessible for all students.

     The benefits of using social media resources for students are many.  Students will learn better because they will be engaged in their own learning.  What they learn will be retained longer because they had an active part in gaining the information.  Students won't be confined to a classroom, but their education now could reach throughout the world.  It would not be restricted to one teacher but the students can access experts anywhere.  The students' education wouldn't stop when he/she exits the school building, but would be available 24 hour per day, 7 days a week.  Students could collaborate and communicate not only with peers in his/her class, but people all over the world.

     The benefits of using social media resources are many for teachers too, both professional and personally.  It makes planning easier because it allows the teacher to communicate and collaborate with other staff members and other educators worldwide.  Educators post and share lesson plans.  Resources to enhance lessons are easily found.  Teachers become better teachers by updating their knowledge and proficiency in technology.  Students appreciate teachers that are knowledgeable and relevant.  If we are to help our students be successful we must teach them the tools to do well.  Before we can teach them, we must learn them.  Students are more engaged in their own learning when we permit them to use social media resources.  Happier, on task, students make our jobs easier and more enjoyable.  Teachers can use social media resources to post videos/photos/ diagrams, etc. to strengthen curriculum concepts.  Teachers can communicate with students and their families about what is going on in the classroom, homework assignments, etc., and allow students and families to interact with teachers by posting questions/comments.  Besides using social media resources to collaborate and communicate, teachers can gather data, report, reflect, and share.  Social media is an excellent resource to motivate our students.  The time and energy that we put forth in mastering these 21st century tools will pay off for our students and ourselves in years to come. 

     "The task is big, but doable."    John Holdren