6 - Social Media in my practice

Social Media in my teaching practice and professional development

Daily use of social media - I am part of the generation that is attached to their phone. The sad reality is, it is the first thing I check in the morning and usually the last thing I check before bed.

However, there are different uses and benefits from the platforms I use:

• Facebook - NZ teaching page - resource sharing, conversation topics, general connection with teachers around New Zealand. I mainly use the Facebook page to get ideas from rather than posting my own. I never comment on posts unless it is a positive suggestion or short answer to a question.

• Instagram - I get many ideas from teachers around the world. I follow teachers from New Zealand, Australia, America and England. It is a place where teachers will share their learning, ideas and resources they have created. I created my own teaching Instagram to keep a record of things I do in my class and hopefully inspire others who follow me.

• Google+ - sharing my blog and ideas with the Mind Lab community. I have not been as active on this platform as others. I have used it to share my thinking and blog posts and read and learn from what others have shared. I need to explore the benefits further.

• Twitter - limited use, I set up a Twitter account because of Mind Lab and have used it occasionally. I did get quite a ‘buzz’ when I shared an article and the person responded. Also, I need to explore further to understand how to use it in my teaching practice.

• Pinterest - sharing of ideas / boards / activities. Love! I use this on a regular basis when I am searching for an idea, activity or classroom display. It links back to the source which helps when downloading.

Benefit and Challenges

As this stage, I am happy with the number of social media platforms I use in my practice. I believe that our students need further education around social media. I teach 11-year old’s who are all under the age of having social media accounts, yet some still do. This is a real challenge and ethical dilemma. It is often the parents who are unaware of the risks involved and are happy for their child to have an account yet don’t understand how to safeguard their child.  

I use Google Docs and Blendspace a lot in my teaching practice. I believe that this is the start of using social media. By working collaboratively and having the ability to share their ideas online they can experience sharing in a controlled environment.

Professional Development

I am connected all around the world through the platforms of social media I use daily. This offers me the opportunity to communicate with others, discuss relevant issues and share my ideas.

Twitter is a platform that offers teachers professional development. An article or issue can be posted, others can retweet, post comments and engage in the learning. Forums can be joined to share and learn.

The new feature of Facebook – Facebook Live – has opened a world of opportunity. PD sessions can be recorded live and shared. Groups can be joined for others to share their ideas. Any media/ link can be uploaded to Facebook allowing people to read or watch the posted material from around the world.

Social media provides me with a platform to share my ideas and learn from others around the world. It is has opened a range of opportunities that will only continue to grow. It has enhanced my teaching practice and allowed professional development.  

References

Education Council.(2012). Establishing safeguards.[video file]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/49216520

Office of Ed Tech. (2013, Sep 18). Connected Educators. [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=216&v=K4Vd4JP_DB8

Tvoparents. (2013, May 21). Using Social Media in the Classroom.[video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riZStaz8Rno