Social Media

There are lots of rewards and risks involved with social media but 21st century skills need to be included in the curriculum and can be taught using social media. Whether children are taught blogging in school or taught how to navigate a social network they are going to be involved at some point. Educators should be incorporating these in their classes. Resources like the Guides to Social Networking: Rewards and Risks and other literature on the website for National Institute on Media and the Family, are good places to start a conversation with other teachers and with parents.

•Parents must be aware of what their kids are doing, online or offline.
•Students must be educated in Internet safety, by teachers and parents.
•Blogging is a form of communication along with texting...
•There is a lots of fear from change, especially with regards to the Internet.

As a teacher I need to also be aware of social media, even if I don't use it in my classroom. I need to be aware of the different sides to the issue and know what my students are talking about. Ideally I can use it to their advantage to help them learn and be excited about learning in a way that is engaging and even fun.