Social Media Maven
#ParentCommunication
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The key to a great relationship is communication. Teachers need to establish many lines of communication to create the strongest possible relationship for the benefit of students. There are good old fashioned newsletters, parent-teacher conferences and phone calls, but as more parents are digital natives themselves, there is more demand for a social media connection between the home and classroom. Not only will this strengthen the parent teacher relationship but it will model for students key Internet Safety skills, especially if you make students part of the process. There are many different social media platforms that CAN be used for classroom communication, but some are better than others. For this TLC learn more about why to use Social Media in your classroom, tips to do it well and then research the various options available to your class.
Resouces
FAQ
Edutopia's Guide to Social Media in the Classroom
Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom
Using Social Media in the ESL Classroom
Complete Educators Guide to Integrating Social Media
Social Media in the Classroom: Should it exist?
Social Media Platforms for the Classroom
Which is the BEST platform for my class?
Each social media tool has pros and cons. You will already find most parents on Facebook, but sometimes there are advantages to a seperate program for the classroom: for teacher AND student privacy most of all. You can make each of these work for your class. Look at each and find the one that has the most benefits for YOU and YOUR class.
Am I allowed to post student photos?
Never post student photos WITH identifying information (first and last name). Double check the FERPA list before posting. This is a great article that tells more about FERPA. If a student is on the FERPA list it is best to exclude them from photos that will be posted. Posts should be from a professional account, it is strongly recommended that you keep seperate accounts for Mrs. Doe and Jane Doe. Post professionally on your teacher account and do NOT post about school on your personal account. More good tips.
Is it SAFE to let elementary age students loose on Social Media? There are so many creepy people out there!
Use your common sense and engage all possible privacy settings, but also have strong conversations with students about Internet Safety. These are among some of the best skills you can help them learn and are so valuable! Embrace these teachable opportunities but set guidelines, structure and choose the platform that you are most comfortable with.
What rules should I have for Social Media in the classroom?
Like all norms, these are best set as a class to encourage students to understand and buy in. One of the best ones I have seen is to THINK before you post (T-Is it true? H-Is it Helpful? I-Is it inspiring? N-Is it necessary? and K-Is it kind?). Common Sense Media has MANY great resources to help with Internet Safety lessons and conversations.
Let's be practical. How can I REALLY use this with my class?
There are many great ways to use Social Media with your class. First and foremost use it to communicate with parents. Share news, upcoming events and open lines of communication. More and more parents are digital natives themselves and WANT to have this relationship with their child's school and teacher. Then consider how to maximize its potential AND involve students. Can students make connections to learning by writing a the post the teacher will share? Students might be more invested if they have a real world audience, how can you leverage social media to provide that audience? How can social media help with behavior management? All of these and more are possible uses for social media, be creative!
Challenge
Task 1: Compare the social media platform options and choose the one that is best for your class. My recommendation is SeeSaw for K-2 and Google Classroom 3-5 AND Twitter for every teacher as well. Set up accounts and learn more about how to best use these. Try to search for video tutorials, tips or other educators already using it to become better aquatinted.
Task 2: Determine how you will share this with parents and prepare a handout and any other necessary materials for Open House in the new school year
Task 3: Get students involved! Think creatively, how can you include students the first day or first week in Social Media posts? How can you make the MOST of this educational opportunity and create something that will be sustainable throughout the year? What procedures can be put into place and what activities will you work on to help students succeed?
Bonus Task: Post to your favorite social media page (Twitter if possible) with the #ParentCommunication about task 3
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