Social Media Sites and Student Use

Strategies that I as a teacher could employ in the classroom to help teach safe and appropriate use of social media sites is to first have students tell you which types of sites they use in and out of the classroom. By having students tell you their ideas and opinions provides you with a starting base of what they are already involved with and know. I would have students explain to me what they believe each is used for and how they use the social media sites as well. This will provide background knowledge of their awareness of the use of these types of sites. Then I will be able to do a complete overview of each of the sites in case any student is unaware or unsure of how they may be used so as to avoid confusion and misuse from experimenting.

I could then create a list of important rules that students and all users should follow when participating in social networking and media sites. For sites such as Facebook for example, creating a friends list and teaching how to adjust privacy settings. Also creating groups for engagement of students and for use as a communications hub. These closed groups will allow students and parents to keep informed, distribute homework or permission slips and share photos or videos from activities or trips the class has taken. The appropriate use of a social media site such as a group membership and participation on Facebook may be the best way to teach children. 

Most importantly I would make sure to discuss online safety. I would teach students about appropriate online behavior, including keeping passwords private, never talking to strangers online, and treating others respectfully. Everything that is posted or uploaded onto the internet has the potential to be seen or read by anyone and this is important to remember when using these sites. Social media sites have the ability to relay and discover new information by many people and it is important for teachers to use this technology as long as students are exposed to the risks and safety that must go along with their use. A good thing to do as well is to over view your school’s social networking policy on using social media in the classroom. This allows you as well as students to know the limitations and rules outlined by your school. A note can also be sent home to parents to explain exactly how the tool will be used in the classroom. This will give the chance for parents to discuss appropriate use with their children as well.

For more information “Tips for teachers”can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/safety/groups/teachers/