Social Media Isn't a Fad...

"Social Media isn't a fad, it's a fundamental shift in the way we communicate."

Eric Sheninger, author of Digital Leadership, Learning Transformed, and other publications focusing on leading learning in the digital age recently tweeted this video:

A US Department of Education study revealed that online students out performed those receiving face-face instruction.  We can no longer hide from social media such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.  Banning it from classrooms and schools will not make it go away.  Social media is here to stay (until something more disruptive takes it's place), and face it, we all use it in our personal lives daily.  We must embrace it educationally.  It is real and relevant.  It is online and engaging.  It enhances communication with students, their families, and the community.  Students need to learn to navigate and use social media tools appropriately, and schools are the best place for this to happen.

Below are some links to learn how other educators are leveraging social media and some how-to guides to get started.  Just choose one today and see the difference it can make!

Memes, Emojis, and GIFs, Oh My! Teachers Tell How They Use Social Media
Making the Case for Social Media in Schools
An Introduction to Twitter Education Chats
Education Chats
Instagram for Teachers

From globaldigitalcitizen.org, ways to use social media in the classroom:

• Class updates posted on Twitter and Facebook
• Student blogging
• Connecting with other classrooms, local and around the world
• Real-time feedback for projects
• Student podcasting
• Using Twitter for research
• Getting world stats instantly
• Student reviews and comments on articles
• Project-based learning with use of social media

Your Digital Learning Team is here to help you get started!