Currently my use of social media within the classroom is low. I think the reason for this has been that I work in a low decile school where many of my students are not connected to the internet or have internet access at home. Prior to starting the Mindlab course I didn't really think social media had a place in my classroom other than the odd youtube video. As I am becoming more technologically minded, so to is my practice.
Previously I had used Facebook only on a personal level. Since joining the NZ Teachers Primary page I have opened my eyes to how much teachers, outside of your own school, can collaborate and learn from each other. This platform allows teaches to ask questions, share planning ideas, units, templates and other resources. I have used it countless times since joining a year ago.
"Its the most impactful thing you can do in your career as an educator, is be connected" Elana Leoni from Ed Tech (2013)
What are some key features of social media that you have identified as beneficial?
Blogging - This is a new concept for me, this being my first blog. I have recently had a class blog account set up for my class and that is currently my latest project, this will be underway very soon. I think that any form of linking the parents into the classroom is beneficial to all parties involved. The journal of their learning journey remains as a footprint for all time for them to look back and reflect on. Parents are able to celebrate achievements with their children and share with family members no matter where they are. It allows for all students to record their experiences. I have two students who are unable to write independently but they can video their work and record their voice explaining what they are wanting to share.
We are beginning a pen pal email project with a class who are learning English in Sweden. Being able to link them to our blog and Skype will be extending what would be just the written word, to a whole new experience.
As Kathy Cassidy (2013) from TVO Parents explains, "...digital is where its at now, the children that I am teaching have grown up with the internet their entire lives" While we are learning how to use social media increasingly in our lives, for our students, it has always been a part of theirs.
What are potential challenges that teachers need to be aware of when integrating social networking platforms?
As a parent of teenagers I am very aware of the dangers of social media and the negative effect that it can have on our youth. In times long gone, if we were being bullied at school, we got a reprieve when we went home where the taunting could stop. Now through social media it can be constant, anonymous, and so much more destructive. New Zealand has a high rate of teenage suicide. The statistics for 2012 were 547 deaths in one year, this has grown to 569 in 2015. The highest percentage is Male at 75% and the highest age range is 15-24 (NZ Health 2012). Many cases of suicide are attributed to cyber bullying. It has become such a issue that there is a new law, passed in June 2015, the 'Harmful Digital Communications bill'. If a person is found to have sent messages or posted material intending to cause harm, they could be could be jailed or fined a maximum of $50,000.00.(NZ Herald, 2015)
It is our job to teach cyber safety and show the students how to behave on social media. That doesn't protect them from outside influences so restrictions must be put in place so that this can be minimal. Facebook and Instagram are blocked on our server at our school as students must be 13 years of age to have an account. This doesn't stop students from creating accounts at home, and I have had many friend requests from students and past students. I choose not to accept these, even those who are over 13 and have left school.
Rather than look at these statistics and shy away from exposing our students to such dangers, we need to be vigilant and teach them how to connect positively. There are so many more benefits from interacting online with others that we cant ignore this rich teaching resource. After all, if we looked at statistics and tried to avoid dangers, we wouldn't let our children ride in cars. Education is key.
"Get educators to consistently and constantly educate themselves, and the tools for education lie in technology" Tom Whitby - Founder of #Edchat
References:
Ed Tech (April, 2013) Connected Educators Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4Vd4JP_DB8
Ministry of Health NZ (2012) Suicide statistics retrieved from http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/suicide-facts-deaths-and-intentional-self-harm-hospitalisations-2012
Jones, N. (2015) Controversial Cyberbullying bill passes. New Zealand Herald Retrieved from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11473545
TVOParents (September, 2013) Using social media in the classroom Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riZStaz8Rno
Your reflective post is so pertinent to where we are as a staff and school. You are right to consider the potential impacts of Social Media, thinking about the use of it in the classroom as well as your personal life. For me, your final paragraph is very powerful - we have to learn ourselves, and thus be able to teach our students what to do to be smart about their online learning and connections with the wider world. In educating our community (students, family and staff) we will all be more enabled to connect positively in this digital world we live in.
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