I can easily understand how different school districts have such polar view points on the use of social media in and out of our classrooms. As a very recent graduate, I am fully aware of how social media can be a distraction to a student in class. While I was a very focused individual in the classroom, there were those days, where distractions occurred- a facebook message from a friend, a photo that was just tagged from yesterday’s game, etc. When I became a teacher, I thought back to those days of social media distractions, and I was rather adamant about not allowing social media, cell phones, Ipads, etc. to negatively impact my students. I did not want them to become distracted in class, and therefore, I came into my first classroom with a strong “NO CELL PHONES” policy. If they didn’t have them out, then they would not be tempted!

Throughout my years in college, education majors were told horror stories in multiple classes by professors about how students and parents had used social media to taint the reputation of a particular teacher. Further, professors discussed situations where teachers were attempting to be supportive and encouraging, but in the end, the events were portrayed as unprofessional and inappropriate. One of our first and number one rules as student teachers were to maintain strict boundaries between ourselves and our students and to ensure that all of our social media sites were strongly protected from any students getting access.

To be completely honest, I never thought of social media being used in a positive light. I had never been introduced to a situation in which social media was used as a platform for education, for learning inside of the classroom, and for extracurricular learning outside of the classroom. It wasn’t until I went to the first Kenan Professional Advancement Institute that I was introduced to the concept of using social media in and outside of the classroom for educational advancement!

At NCCAT, I was introduced to the idea of Professional Social Media sites. Twitter accounts that were 100% dedicated to your educational goals and progress and Edmodo sites that allow students to socialize in a controlled setting that promotes cooperation, feedback, and engagement. I was also introduced to the idea of using cell phones and Ipads as a technology tool that could promote higher learning through virtual quizzes and research tools. Since returning to the classroom this semester, I have definitely changed my opinion of cell phones in the classroom, and I do allow students to use them regularly in the classroom as educational tools.

In the end, I believe that districts have such polar views because there are very unique angles at which to view the situation. While some districts see the unknown as a pathway to success and reaching students through a new channel, other districts see the unknown as a danger; a danger to the safety of both the students and teachers. It is important for any use of social media to be highly controlled and 100% educationally focused in order for the purpose to be clear for students, parents, and school districts. I believe it is when the lines begin to blur that teachers, students, and parents, begin to feel weary of what negativity could develop out of social media in education.