Social Media in the Classroom

Benefits and Risks

Social media offers a wide range of benefits for students and teachers. Students can connect with students and content experts around the world, and teachers can connect with parents. Social media also has risks involved. Students can bully others or be bullied, and students can engage in or be exposed to sexually explicit content.

The benefits of social media can be pursued while avoiding some of the risks by having students use school accounts on school issued devices. I do not support students using their personal social media accounts while at school because of the potential of bullying, sexting, and other negative uses. I also do not support students using their cell phones to access school accounts while at school because the phones also be used for these negative purposes. However, if students use school laptops or tablets to access school social media accounts, the school can more easily ensure that these are being used for learning and not for hurting.

Students must also be taught how to use social media constructively and safely. All students should be taught online safety and digital citizenship. Teachers should be trained how to use social media constructively, intelligently, and appropriately. Schools should have clear policies that protect students from the potential dangers of social media while empowering them to use social media to enhance learning and enrich their lives.


Pinterest and Symbaloo

This week I explored two social media sites used to share links: Pinterest and Symbaloo. I have used Pinterest before, although I am by no means a Pinterest junkie like my wife some other people I know. Symbaloo was new to me. After using both, I most definitely prefer Pinterest. I found it easier to use and more visually attractive. Symballo seemed clunky, plain, and more time-consuming. The Pinterest toolbar button makes it really easy to add links. Another huge benefit for Pinterest is that many more people use it, which is important for a site that is about sharing resources.

Here is a video demonstrating how teachers can use Pinterest in the classroom: