Social Media in Education

Social media is a powerful tool when used properly. Today, educators can network with one another virtually and share information concerning effective teaching techniques and new technologies. 

Here are several social media accounts that I follow to hone my craft as an educator:

https://www.facebook.com/Susan.Wise.Bauer

Susan Wise Bauer is an author, historian, and educator who has had a tremendous impact on my teaching philosophy. She regularly posts informative articles on a variety of subjects. 

I recently read an article on Bauer's Facebook page that helped me understand the need to guard against scammers. Today, scammers have developed sophisticated methods of deceiving their prey. They may attack through email, cell phone calls, texts, or even mail. It is essential to stay on guard and verify the source of these communications. Scammers often use email accounts which are similar to legitimate accounts. For example, instead of an email from customerservice@capitalone.com, you may receive an email from customerservice@gmail.com asking you to verify your account information. It is especially important that we help our students understand and recognize these threats before they fall victim to these attacks.

https://www.facebook.com/edutopia

Edutopia is a great resource for educators. Their social media page provides inspiration and information concerning what works in education. Posts span a wide variety of subjects, and you can count on multiple posts each day. When I am feeling uninspired, or I simply do not know the best way to convey a lesson, I head to Edutopia's Facebook page for support.

A recent article on Edutopia's social media page provided readers with information concerning how learning happens. "Whether it’s putting on unfamiliar boots for exploring a salt marsh or daring to hold a crab, deep learning can take place when we are challenged to try new things—as long as a foundation of trust and belonging is there first."

I love that Edutopia's posts include articles, videos, and links to helpful websites for educators. It is also very helpful to interact with other educators through comments on various articles. This is a resource I will always take advantage of as Edutopia stays up to date on the latest innovations in educational technology.

https://www.facebook.com/veritaspress

Veritas Press is another excellent social media page that provides educators with a wealth of information. With a wide variety of subject matter, Veritas often posts relevant articles concerning history, literature, and democracy from a classical Christian perspective. Veritas' social media page is a constant source of inspiration and information for me.

In a recent article, I learned about the ancient historian, Thucydides. The point of the article was that we should be learning from the past mistakes of others in an effort to avoid making those same mistakes. The article was powerful and informative. One quote struck me as particularly relevant for us today: "Sometimes history gives warnings; other times it provides solace. In some cases, it shows you the cliff and gives you an opportunity to avoid falling off it." It is important that we teach our students to value history, literature, and democracy. This social media page gives us ways to make that happen in our classrooms.

Module 7 - Assistive Technologies and Digital Equity

Digital equity means ensuring that all students have equal access and opportunity to digital tools, resources, and services to increase digital knowledge, awareness, and skills.

Ensuring digital equity in the classroom takes thought and attention. Assessing student’s needs through evaluation should be an ongoing process. It is essential that educators get to know their students at a deep and meaningful level. What are students’ academic strengths? Weaknesses? Are there physical impairments which require accommodation? Cognitive impairments? The heart of an educator should always be concerned with seeing each student realize his or her full potential.

Fortunately, many assistive technologies exist which make this possible. There are tools to help the visually impaired and hearing impaired. There are tools to help those who are physically or cognitively challenged. If there is a need, educators should research ways that the need can be met to ensure student success.

In the instance of an ELL student who is just beginning school, there are many tools available to help teachers communicate with them in meaningful ways. Simple applications can be downloaded on smart phones which translate languages. These tools will be especially helpful when communicating with parents who do not speak English.

Some things educators must consider in the classroom include making sure all students have equal access to technology. Not all students have devices and internet access at home. These students must be allowed to complete online assignments in the classroom. They may need extra assistance in learning to use their device or application.

Group projects are great for encouraging peer assistance and collaboration to ensure each student receives attention, instruction, and learning. Educators must be mindful when forming groups to pair students with varying abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.

It is also helpful for educators to allow flexibility in meeting requirements. This allows students to display their knowledge in creative ways. Some students may struggle to communicate verbally, while others may struggle with written communication. When allowed to submit work in a variety of ways, students are able to fully demonstrate their understanding of the material.

In my future classroom, I plan to ensure digital equity by getting to know my students and their individual needs. We are seeing more and more ELLs and special education students in the traditional classroom. This is a wonderful thing! It teaches children the value of diversity and differences in learning styles. Students learn to empathize with one another, and together we can seek ways to ensure every single student is successful in the classroom.