Journal #3: The Case for Social Media in School

Kessler, S. (2010, September 29). The Case For Social Media in Schools. Retrieved October 15, 2015.

My first initial thought on social media was Facebook, Myspace, chat rooms,…etc.  All of those websites are considered to have a negative impact on education.  Many people are worried of internet bullies, pornography, and students abusing the use of internet.  However, when I was introduced to the educational side of social media, I had a different view of classroom technology.  I agree with Sarah Kessler in a sense that there is no way to get rid of the internet, so why not embrace it?  One of the concerns with the use of cell phones in the classroom was that students will be going on other social media, texting, or taking selfies.  It was very interesting that Kessler mentioned that there is no difference between a student who is texting, to a student who is sleeping or drawing on paper; both are still not attentive to the lesson.  So there is no difference, if the student chooses not to pay attention in class, they will find ways to keep them occupied. 

I really liked that collaboration was mentioned in the article.  I believe that it is really critical for students to learn how to collaborate at a young age.  Without these websites to blog, critique, and comment, students may not be able to have a chance to do so in the classroom.  Especially for a student who is very shy, they have the freedom to comment without hesitation.  Teachers can also have students create a screen name so that their comments and feedback are anonymous.  I also love the idea that teachers can monitor and read all comments before approval.  I personally would not want to monitor by approval for each comment because it would take up too much time.  However, with time stamps, and records of what is posted can be easily tracked.  I’m sure that if you mention to students that you will be monitoring the site, they will stay away from negative comments.  I really like the idea of blogging online.  Students feel like they are talking to their friends and it opens up a whole new communication from them to learn.  

I have used Edmodo several times in my classroom.  I like that it not only has all the features that were mentioned in the article, but it also has lesson plans and customized quizzes.  This is a very good resource for teacher who practice flipped classroom.  Teachers can show videos as a “pre-lesson” the night before, so that students will have an idea of what they will learn the next day.  Many educators practice this method and had many positive response from students. 

I’m unsure if my students will go online to do extra assignments without credit, but I do like that there is that option.  I do believe that students find more interest in doing assignments online, compare to a paper and pencil.  My students’ faces tend to light up whenever they see the Chromebooks all set up on their desk when they walk into the classroom.  I do see that there is a greater benefit that outweighs the negatives and risks of social media usage. 

I strongly agree with the statement that it is the parents and educators’ job to teach the students proper internet etiquette.  It is important for students to understand the harm that can be done when the internet is misused.  If students can use the internet the way it was intended and for educational purposes, technology can be a great enhancement to the classroom.