Exploring Role of Social Media in Schools

Exploring Role of Social Media in Schools

Date: 8^th June 2016

This time my blog is all about exploring the role of social media in schools. Since I am myself a social media addict, which is very visible from my love for blogging and my use of Facebook. I have been writing so regularly but never came across the idea of how actually schools could benefit from the use of social media, what is the hidden potential for students, teachers and schools. Some exploration that I was able to do regarding the use which I feel will be quiet helpful for schools, teachers and students is shared below.

While skimming through a blog on how schools used social media (N.Vidyarthi, 2012) I came across some interesting figures regarding the use of Twitter and LinkedIn in schools. Most universities had started using Twitter to reach their students, from 0% in 2008 – 2009 this percentage had jumped to 84% in 2012, similarly the increase in use of LinkedIn was observed as 47% in only two years i.e. from 2010 – 2012. The infographic shared on this blog reflected some staggering numbers which included the extensive use of Facebook and YouTube by Harvard (almost 1,281,596 likes on Facebook and 1.3 million views on YouTube). There are dozens of examples available where schools are using social media to interact with both parents and students which has resulted in a more unique and direct relationship with the parent community. 

There is no doubt in the increasing growth of social media, what is important that schools now need to find a way to utilize its potential effectively. 

Our schools have been using social media like Facebook to reach the parent community and potential clients by sharing regular updates on the schools Facebook pages and official websites. The content shared mostly includes pictures of the various activities in schools, these are art activities, sports activities, annual functions, classroom activities, displays in schools, interactive technology use and much more. The content is mostly in the form of images and videos with some description of the activity. It’s obviously an easier and cheaper way to get the message through, parents can directly comment, and schools are in a position to respond accordingly to concerns and suggestions. The Facebook page for the ELE initiative reflects some amazing work students and teachers have been doing using various technology resources provided to schools. What needs to be added to this is the training teachers have been provided during this initiative and most importantly content produced by students demonstrating how their learning has actually enhanced using technology in classrooms.

Similarly most school Facebook pages reflect interactive and engaging activities by students, have done a good job to keep the parent community updated, the content is in the form of both videos and images. A team of students and teachers along with one member of the admin team could be made to ensure meaningful and engaging content going up on the page. Students should be encourage to produce the content and upload the schools page, initiating discussion on their work, providing others the opportunity to reflect. 

Some use of PLC professional learning communities like Edmodo has been observed during training courses and has been encouraged to be used in schools, but as far as students are concerned the use remains limited. More training in this case this is needed. 

Another blog about Social Media and Two Way Communication published April 2012, also emphasized on the role of social media, stating “Social media tools allow for greater interactions between school principals and their stakeholders”. Dr. Scott McLeod (Professor at the University of Kentucky and the author of the phenomenal blog Dangerously Irrelevant) in the very blog states that newsletters, calendar of events, emails may not be enough for schools and there is a dire need of two way real time communication opening venues for more engaging conversations with parents, ensuring no parents are left behind. 

Mr. Patrick Larkin (2012 NASSP National Digital Principal Award Winner) in the same blog points out two powerful advantages of the social media, building positive public relationships and learning from another. He encourages schools to share their success stories and new initiatives within school and other schools around the world. The blog further addresses how social media could significantly impact the professional growth of school heads, principals, teachers etc. by trying to put around people who will cause you to think differently, are straight forward and willing to connect in uncomfortable situations, who mean what they say.

What schools need to do?

·     Choose someone who understands social media and is passionate about social media to run and manage the page. 

·       Ensure more interaction, develop one to one connections, respond regularly and provide immediate feedback to queries etc.

·      Students must be encouraged to share their work, critique and comment on each other work, thus encouraging collaborative work spaces. 

·        Students must be encourage to develop and produce content to be shared on the social media.

·      Someone should monitor the content shared online, it should be checked, approved and uploaded online.

·      Schools need to review their policy and guidelines, it should a living document since social media product is changing rapidly resulting in a cultural change in schools. Things need to be considered include protecting own privacy, being honest, respecting copy right laws, effective monitoring, thinking about consequences etc. This document could be made part of the school improvement plan. It should include a goal to "create an environment where faculty are educated and can educate students in the 21st century literacies”.

·      Most importantly try exploring other social media too, this could include podcasting websites, Wikispaces, Ning, Blogger.com, joining and developing PLC forums, http://www.twiducate.com/ etc.

·       Schools to educate students about online safety and responsible use. Students could educate their peers too.

·       Some questions to remain unanswered, some conversations to go unanswered, may be some of the parents could respond too. 

·       Be Ready to Listen and Learn!

Hope you guys find this helpfulJ I would be writing part 2 of the blog to discuss some social media shared above and how they could be used in schools soon.

Enjoy Reading J

Sheeba Ajmal

References:

1.      Social Media Guidelines

Accessed online:

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/social-media-guidelines-steven-anderson

2.      How to Create Social Media Guidelines for School

Accessed Online:

https://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/edutopia-anderson-social-media-guidelines.pdf

3.      Social Media and Two Way Communication

Accessed Online:

http://connectedprincipals.com/archives/5710

4.       How Schools are using Social Media?

Accessed Online:

http://www.adweek.com/socialtimes/how-schools-are-using-social-media-infographic/90372?red=st

5.       10 Tips on how schools could use Social Media

Accessed Online:

http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/jul/16/10-top-tips-how-schools-use-social-media