Social media is definitely a hot topic with teenagers.  I hear the words twitter and facebook and instagram every day in the halls.  It makes sense that teenagers would be addicted to those, because their social lives become such a high priority for them at this time in their lives.  The question is:  should teachers be using social media as an educational tool?

I remember learning in graduate school that true learning cannot occur with out socialization.  Students have to be able to communicate with each other and with those who have more knowledge, in order to make developements in learning.  Because social media is such a popular thing  with teenagers, it seems that all teachers would jump at the chance to connect with students through a tool that is both fun and familiar to teenagers.  And for some teachers, it works!  It allows students to ask questions, discuss topics, share ideas, collaborate on projects and find information through the use of electronic devices.

However, social media also poses risks.  There are liability risks, bullying issues, and that fine line where teachers and students can have TOO much interaction and it becomes inappropriate.  I think some districts would prefer NOT to fight those battles by just banning social media all together.

As a teacher myself, I definitely use some forms of social media…but I stick to ones that are encouraged by my district.  I have a website with links to a lot of valuable chemistry tools, as well as a contact sheet where students and parents can contact me directly with questions.  I used padlet for class discussions.  And I use Remind101 to send secure text messages to students and parents as reminders.  Those tools are not related to my personal life at all (because my cell phone number is not used and they cannot text me back).  So I allow for communication through electronic devices when needed, but I am able to maintain strictly professional relationships with both parents and students.  Social media can be very useful, but educators should be smart and careful about the ways they use it.