Pros:
The use of social media allows students to collaborate and connect with one another outside of the classroom walls. This is particularly important when talking about group projects and assignments. With the use of social media, students are no longer restricted to their class period to work on things together. Social media also allows others to comment and share thoughts on projects allowing for an environment more similar to the work environment. The use of social media may also allow parents to stay connected to what is going on in the classroom. Applications like Remind and Edmodo, make it easy for teachers to get an important message out to parents or to students.
Cons:
When using social media in the classroom, the teacher must also take on the role of moderator to make sure what students are posting is appropriate. This can take time to go through and check. With social media comes cyberbullying and the worry that students are using social media in inappropriate ways. Again, this would fall on the teacher to ensure that students are aware of consequences and what is considered a "good" post versus a "harmful" post. Then there is the whole other issue that students are not getting the right amount of time communicating face-to-face, both with peers and with family. Adding the social media component to their school day may hinder this face-to-face communication during afterschool hours. Finally, not all children have access to the internet or a device let alone the ability to connect to a peer via a social networking site.
Great post! I think you brought up a lot of great points on the pro side of the argument, and lots of things I didn't automatically think of. Having students being on social media is a great way for them to collaborate in and out of school. I thought you brought up a great point by saying that it gives students the opportunity to learn outside of school as well as inside. Social media is something students check all the time outside of school, and by including it in their learning, they may also check out their school social media while they're at it, and be learning outside of school. You also made a good point by saying it gets students ready for the work environment. As educators we want to make sure out students are career ready, and by having them be on social networking at school is one step we can take to make sure they're ready.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post! You are absolutely right that social media in the classroom has presented some serious concerns. You outline the pros and cons very nicely. How would you address the concern about students not getting enough face-to-face interaction? That is something that concerns me with my young students.
ReplyDeleteI especially like how you describe the fact that social media expands the school walls by allowing students to continue to work outside of the school day. This is important as often times a class period can end in the middle of an interesting debate or discussion. Students now have the ability to resume their discussion online instead of waiting until the next day.
What are your thoughts overall about including social media in the classroom? It sounds like you have a pretty balanced view on the pros and cons.