We see social media everywhere we turn; it’s in the social lives of both teachers and students. Given its significant role, it’s no surprise that its use in education is a hot topic. I see two sides to social media in education: The first is for student learning, while the other is for teacher professional development.
Using social media (blogs, networks, Tweets, Pins, etc.) is a highly effective way for staying current as a teacher, a basic requirement of the OCT. The opportunities for teachers to learn and to continue their professional growth is almost limitless. Sharing, communicating and modelling are both important elements of social media for teachers.
What does this look like?
Sharing - Teachers are able to post reflections, resources, experiences, thoughts, feelings, and anything else they wish using social media. This information then helps other teachers who are looking into the same topics, or it may give them a new perspective or direction they had not considered. By using the various media, these posts are easily organized and found by those seeking them.
Communicating - While traditional mail may be declining, the options available for communicating using social media are extensive. Teachers can receive instant replies to their posts, but the option is always available to access the responses later. A number of options exist for different types of communication, including video and audio calls, direct message, email, Tweets, etc. Social media can also connect teachers to the community, parents, and students.
Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) combines sharing and communicating in a big way. These networks allow teachers to share and discuss ideas, thoughts, questions and concerns with others, and give them the chance to see and hear what others are trying in their classrooms. These networks are particularly effective as they are accessible anywhere, anytime. They also provide valuable connections and contacts to teachers outside of their school, board, province, and even country. Unlike traditional professional development, which is performed in designated blocks of time, these networks are continuous and ever-changing. They provide greater exposure and more input than is possible during in-school events.
Modelling - There are known issues and concerns with using social media. It is important that teachers discuss these, and demonstrate proper practice. By doing so, we are bringing 21st century education and the skills required to be successful in the modern world to our practice, and showing this to our students. We need to model and use these technologies ourselves if we are to impart this knowledge to students.
So what does this mean?
As with all social media, the ability to bring about an increased awareness of different perspectives and our global connectedness is a great benefit. Our ideas and our impact can span the globe. We can share more and reach huge audiences for professional conversations. I have used Google Plus and Twitter to connect with educators from across the globe, and my students have used social media to connect with their peers (e.g. Twitter and the Global Read Aloud). As more and more teachers integrate technology and social media into their classrooms, on-going professional development through social media will be more and more vital to successful practice.
Our world is changing; we cannot teach students the way we have always done if we are to produce a different result. Our schools should reflect the world, and capitalize on the opportunities we have. Social media matters in our lives, and it matters in education. As teachers, we must continue learning, keeping ourselves and our practice informed. Let’s use ours tools and our ideas to build a better future for our students, and for global education.
