Dealing with twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (or other social media sites) is a reality in the classroom. What are strategies that you could employ to help teach safe and appropriate use of these sites?
In dealing with the social media sites the age of the students would determine the presentation of the information but,
the premise would still be the same. The safety of our students and the environment in which they learn is our priority and we, as teachers, must be aware of the danger that exists. Although safety would be stressed at the primary and secondary level because of responsible board policies in place within that classroom, it is our responsibility to be certain these policies are followed through.
the premise would still be the same. The safety of our students and the environment in which they learn is our priority and we, as teachers, must be aware of the danger that exists. Although safety would be stressed at the primary and secondary level because of responsible board policies in place within that classroom, it is our responsibility to be certain these policies are followed through.
Students at a young age need to understand the magnitude of their digital footprint. This footprint expresses who they are to the online world and it will follow them into the future. Being unaware of the footprint will not result in its omission, only a failure to understand the how repercussions may affect their future.
In order for them to understand the seriousness of this issue, I would send my adult students on a scavenger hunt to find information relevant to cyber safety. We could create a collaborative chart and list all the dangers and how to avoid them using google docs. This information not only helps them develop a positive digital footprint but, they are now able to teach their children why this footprint is so important.
There are many tragic stories related to the exposure of information on some of these media sites. As a class we would discuss how lives have been destroyed because of what was posted. Using real life examples will always engage students and stories they may be familiar with allows them to add their opinion.
Social media serves a very important part of our lives, as it has become a way of interacting with our friends and keeping in touch. Even though cyberspace has created this whole new world, we cannot dismiss face to face interaction and the power of class discussion. In my classroom, I would stress how media sites are an option and should not be considered their only outlet for social interaction.
Scavenger Starters
Before starting with any group of students who are new to social media, or haven't had any instruction or guidance concerning soc. med., I like to use applications like Padlet or Today's Meet. It allows for 'practice' of, yet authentic digital footprint experiences. Check them out!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have an opportunity to share positive uses of social media as well. There are many global examples such as alerting people to imminent natural dangers, raising awareness for ALS through the Ice Bucket Challenge, political changes in Egypt etc.
When I do have a class the first thing we talk about is the wonderful things that have come with the internet. I use real examples like the ability to connect with learners around the world, the instant access to information, the charities that benefit from online contributions and even the Rwanda genocide and how its exposure brought about a stark reality of life in another country. Many of my students are computer savvy and I have learned from them, but they need the basics and to understand how important safety is online. I shall check out the sites you mentioned ...thanks for that!
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