Social media use in the classroom is a challenging topic for all schools. Many of my students spend more than an hour a day on social media sites. It has become a real-time link to all their friends. However it is also evident that students use the social media sites to bully and ostracize other students. The bullying goes on for weeks before it is brought to the attention of others that can help address the situation. Social media can also be an opportunity for teachers. It can motivate students to apply their technology skills to develop educational messages and collect data for their classroom. Using social media sites in a classroom setting helps students learn appropriate etiquette and responsible internet practice. For social media to be used in the classroom, it may need to be monitored by parents, students, administrators, and teachers. But the risk of abuse also needs to be considered to protect the students. A school community needs to develop expectations and provide instruction to develop mature and responsible ways of using social media. The decision to use social media in the classroom should include the entire school community.
Category Archives: School and Classroom Technology
Based on your experiences, what are the greatest challenges for leveraging technology to empower learning in your classroom and school?
July 5, 2014
I think the biggest challenge for leveraging technology in our school is access to computers. We have one computer cart that is shared by five teachers. When I do use the computer cart with my students, I plan assignments/projects that can be completed during a class time. I am torn about having students use their phones or tablets during class since I feel it divides my class into the haves and the have nots. As a result, I use students’ personal technology devises sparingly.
The other challenges I have for leveraging technology to empower my students’ learning, is my students’ access to the internet. For students to collaborate using Google docs or presentations, they need to have internet access at home. One of the neighborhoods that is part of our school has a community center that opens a computer lab in the evenings for students to complete their homework. Although this is a wonderful program, I am concerned about my students walking home in the dark. As a result, I provide a variety of project choices that include both technology and non-technology options so that all my students can complete their assignments.
My students’ access to technology impacts the ease with which they can get answers. I find that my students that do not have the access to computers and internet access at home are also students that are struggling to complete their homework on time. I provide morning and after school support for these students. However, this is a poor substitute for having full access at home.