So you say you’re apprehensive about using social networking
in your local school. Well here are a
few facts to consider. In 2010 Twitter boasted
a modest 30 million users. Today, there
are approximately 288 million users (Statista.com). Facebook had a mere 100 million users in 2008
but by the fourth quarter of 2014, there were 1.35 billion monthly users and
counting worldwide. By 2014 approximately
67% of the American population had a networking profile of some form. This is up by 20% from 2010. It
would appear that social networking is here to stay and as educators, it is our
responsibility to prepare our students to be ready to participate in this
global community.
As we know, a social networking site is a place that allows
its users to design public profiles within a Web site and create relationships
with participants of the same Web site, who in turn have access to each other’s
information or profile. These sites can be used to describe a web community,
they can be used for online discussions and/or chatrooms, to name a few (Dictionary.com). Should this be carried over into our local
school systems? Many are saying
YES!
School media centers across the country have begun Facebook
pages. They are informative and are easy
to maintain. They can include comments
on new arrivals, videos and posts on upcoming events, as well as the latest
happenings within the Media Center.
Moreau Catholic High School (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moreau-Catholic-High-School-Library/141741555198)
uses their cover photo, to congratulate their 2015 Read-A-thon winners. They also provide pictures of their latest student
designs on Sketchbook. Elk Lake High
school http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elk-Lake-High-School-Library/333567932168
uses their Facebook page to post their LMC purpose statement. They
also display Installation Art created by Ms. Stone’s Art Appreciation Class. Most schools at the High school level don’t allow
access to Facebook on school property therefore many LMCS maintain the site off
campus, after hours but most say that the efforts are worth it. According to recent studies, students between
the ages of 13 – 24 have recently declined in their use of Facebook (probably
because their parents are on it) but we know that they are not lacking in any
social networking interchanges.
Instagram and Snapchat have become the new wave due to easy mobile
access. Schools should include a mobile
form of communication to maintain contact with their students.
Destiny Quest is a library package that is visually
appealing and provides a catalog of all books available within the Media
Center. Students can have access to the
full collection at any time, day or night on their computer or mobile device. It can be used to search for books, reliable
websites and subscription databases and if a user desires to place a book on
hold, they can do that as well. An additional bonus to this software, is its
social networking capabilities. Students
and educators have access to a safe social networking site that is available to
that particular library community under the careful supervision of the LMS. Students can send messages to other students
about a book that they have read and they can make recommendations. Teachers can also have access to Destiny and
create lessons, plan activities and collaborate with the LMS as well as other
teachers, on future units.
Another consideration is My Big Campus. This well-known collaborative system allows LMS,
teachers, students, parents and administrators to connect in this academic
online community. Educators can find,
submit and publish, material and make it available for a specific class or
group for a variety of purposes. As the
LMS, we can prepare and police the library resources to include any websites
that we deem appropriate. There is no
longer the concern of students being exposed to unsuitable content. I have had access to My Big Campus as a
parent and as an educator and if is wonderful.
Having that capability gives me greater access to my son’s teachers. Nothing replaces an opportunity to volunteer
or visit my sons’ schools but as a hard working mom, that extra form of
communication is worth it. As a teacher or LMS we have all felt overwhelmed and overworked. Having the opportunity to collaborate with other teachers, to receive suggestions, encourgement and enjoy a humorous cartoon or quip can make all the difference in a days journey.
Social networking is here to stay. Let's use it in a manner that inspires, informs and educates our library community.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI found your statistics regarding social media very interesting. It's very mind blowing how quickly it has taken over our society! I think there is certainly a place for it in education. It is one of the quickest ways to get information to people. Our school has a Facebook page where it posts announcements, recognizes accomplishments, etc. The majority of our community looks to the Facebook page to sort of "keep up" with our school.
However, we also have Facebook blocked at school. I work in a high school, and I have found social media to be a problem before. Last year, students all had an app that allowed them to join anonymously but join a group that was for our school only. Students would anonymously post very mean and gossipy things for everyone in the group to see. It became a distraction at school. Recently, students using a texting app were anonymously sending threats to other students at school; the SRO had to get involved, etc. Now of course, social media and technology aren't always negative, but I think it can certainly be abused and we have to be very careful to use it in schools. I think your last statement sums it up perfectly!
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYou have absolutely gotten my interest with the information about My Big Campus. I will have to look into that and see if it fits into my current situation in a SLMC or future ones. I do feel that is something that we all need to consider - what role does social media play for educating students? Is it something they simply need to be aware of or is it something we will have them complete K-12 assignments with? Because it is so new, I think that answers will come in the coming years.
Here is a fabulous article on the debate of social media in education:
www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/27/social-networking-schools_n_840911.html
The article discusses both sides of the issue and offers some ideas that I had not previously considered. Pros : more tech savvy students. Cons : safety. The other consideration is what can and should be taught using social media.
I hope all read the article! It really breaks things down.
Thanks,
Meghen
Thanks for sharing the link Meghen. There is certainly a tremendous amount of disucssion about the use of this form of communication and both sides have valid perspectives. Students which use social networking as a form of bullying or for spreading lies and gossip should be confronted and dealt with sternly. There are many adults paying the price for a statement made online and an apology soon followed. Students should have the opportunity to practice participating in a similar setting but within a safer environment.
DeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reviewing all the data about social media. I had no idea about the actual numbers for some of the applications. It is really astonishing but shows a sign of the times. Many people look at you crazy if you tell them you do not have Facebook. They want to know why you don’t. I do have a Facebook page but use it sparingly and have it to stay connected with some family and friends. I think a Facebook page for a media center could be a good idea. Many schools warn against the security and problems it can cause with privacy. I do think it is a slippery slope because students could use their personal page which could have inappropriate comments or photos. We have all seen where teachers have been disciplined or fired for what was on their personal pages that somehow someone accessed within the school community. I think users have to be forewarned to review their pages and always utilize online etiquette.