Social Networking in the Classroom

Schools have been struggling with the idea of social networking in the classroom for years.  Boards have put blocks trying to keep the students from accessing them and teachers shy away from using them.  But let’s face it social networking is a major part of our lives and the students.  Schools are supposed to be designed to help students be successful in the real world, and the real world uses social networking.  The whole idea of having access to others and sharing information is encouraged in schools but frowned upon when it is done using a computer.  Is there a real difference?

Ok, before I go any further I know teachers are going to be out there saying that you can’t monitor what is being said, what is being sent and how students are using it.  You are all correct.  But the same problems have been faced outside on the playground and even in some classrooms.  Our goal could be to teach the proper use of social networking just like we teach proper behaviour in and outside of our schools. 

Social networking can be a great tool to teach media literacy.  Students can make real life connections and will see school as being a part of the real world not separate.  I bet the majority of teachers reading this article still have their old media projects like, make a cd cover and design a brochure.  Most students don’t even own a cd and almost all information is found on line not in brochures now a days.  Teachers and schools must change with the times and media is one of the fastest changing subjects in school today. 

There are many great ideas that can be done using social networking. Students can make Facebook pages as the lead character of the books they are reading or a Facebook page of a historical figure from history class.  Social media does not have to be strictly media based it can be used to cover all subject areas.  Webpages and blogs can be created by students and media techniques can be discussed.  School will become more open to the community and parents will be more aware of what is happening in the school.   Projects and assignments can be posted, student success shared and community events relayed. Parents can become involved and information can be shared by all.  Social networking in the classroom has endless possibilities.

Don’t be afraid. Be a leader. Start something new.  Incorporate social media into your classroom - you will be glad.