Some districts ban the use of social media in and out of classrooms, and others encourage its use. How do you explain such polar viewpoints?
Schools generally like to put as much structure around social settings as possible to eliminate bullying or other inappropriate behaviors–think about lunch time, hall time, school dances, etc. These settings or events are heavily chaperoned and there are many rules governing them. Social media sites provide this social setting virtually without the ability to have such rules and control, thus there is a lot of risk for inappropriate social behaviors. Additionally, if a student makes a mistake in a social interaction, for example says something mean to a friend in the hallway, it’s often quickly forgotten. On the other hand, online mistakes are permanent and can be referenced or re-shared indefinitely. I believe these risks are the impetus of school-district bans. The mentality being, if we can’t regulate and monitor it, we don’t want to be accountable for it, so let’s just not allow it.
While some schools and districts balk at this risk, others embrace it– “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” There are teachable moments and opportunities woven amongst the risk. Social media sites are a part of kids’ normal reality in the 21st century, so why not teach them the needed skills to be good digital citizens?
I also think that there is also a potential issue with not only student use of social media, but that of teachers and faculty. The personal/professional crossover can be tricky when it comes to online forums. If a student sees a teacher having dinner in a restaurant drinking a glass of wine, it’s in context and is viewed as an appropriate behavior. However, photos or comments that are posted online on social media are often void of this context and can be viewed through the wrong lens.
As far as student use is concerned, I tend to think that we need to acknowledge the risk, not be scared by it. As I mentioned, social media is part of reality for our students, and I believe it to be our responsibility as educators to ensure they are ready to face the risks associated with it in their lives. Professionally, I think it is important to maintain professional relationships with students and parents alike, therefore social media might not be the best platform on which to engage. On the other hand, the use of social media with accounts specifically for professional communication can be highly effective!