The One With Social Media In Our Classrooms

In 2015, the Pew Research Center found that 71 percent of teens use more than one social networking site, and 24 percent are constantly online. That number is likely higher today than it was 5 years ago, because more social networking sites have come to prevalence. As a teacher now, I see the "no phone" policies slipping away and more and more teachers utilizing tools in their classrooms that students can access from their cell phone. While I do agree cellphones can be a big distraction for students in class, but it can also be a great learning tool if we incorporate something they LOVE doing and spend hours a day doing into our lessons. Its a win-win in my eyes. Students can be on their phones, which they're happy about, and teachers can be teaching useful skills at the same time.

Of course there are pros and cons to introducing social networking into our classroom. First, you need to know your audience. Different groups of students are at different levels of intellect and maturity and that can factor into your decision to bring social media into the classroom. It is also important to ensure your school and school district will allow this as part of your lessons. If you feel your students are mature enough and your school will allow it, here are some pro's to social media in the classroom.

Social media is not just about pictures and likes. Students may think that but there is so many social networking tools to use and this is a perfect opportunity to show students that there is more than just posting selfies on Snapchat and Instagram. 

1. Digital Citizenship Skills- Teachers can demonstrate proper and improper uses on social networking sites.

2. Communication Skills- Written communication is important in the real world, so having students start a blog or engage with others 

3. Interaction and Engagement- social media allows those who usually are shy in classroom discussions the ability to open up and interact with classmates

4. Current Events- Many social networking sites have access to current events, world news, etc. This is a great way for students to constantly have updates on what is going on around them at their fingertips. 

5. Collaboration- Many sites provide ability for group collaboration. A Pinterest board, a Diigo group, a YouTube playlist- the list goes on. Students can find resources and share them with teachers and classmates.

That is a just a small list of benefits to introducing students to social media in a new way. While social media can still be fun for students and they can maintain their personal accounts, by embedding social media into lesson plans students can learn the proper way to engage on these sites and gain other valuable skills they'll need through their schooling and life.