Overview
This lecture discusses the responsible and effective use of electronic communication and social media in the classroom, emphasizing both opportunities for engagement and the need for professional boundaries.
Importance of Social Media in Education
- Social media is a major communication tool for students and is integral to their daily lives.
- Using social media in the classroom helps bridge the gap between students' in-school and out-of-school experiences.
- Teachers should encourage experimentation with social media to engage students and enhance learning.
- Not using social media in education can leave students unprepared for its constructive use.
Effective Classroom Integration
- Teachers use platforms like YouTube and blogs to support curriculum delivery and motivate students.
- Class websites and blogs help share information, homework, and student work dynamically.
- Students develop their own websites and blogs to consolidate knowledge and share learning.
- Social media can be an avenue for showcasing student projects and fostering communication.
Responsibilities and Professional Boundaries
- Electronic communication creates privacy concerns, professional vulnerability, and legal risks.
- The Ontario College of Teachers provides guidelines for proper and safe use of social media.
- Off-duty conduct online can affect a teacher’s professional standing.
- Inappropriate use can result in criminal or civil consequences.
- Teachers must maintain professional, objective communication and avoid sharing opinions or personal content.
Best Practices for Teachers
- Always consider if online posts could be widely shared and scrutinized.
- Stay objective, generic, and professional in online communication with students.
- Teach students about appropriate and safe use of social media.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social Media — Online platforms for sharing content and communication (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, blogs).
- Electronic Communication — Digital forms of interacting, such as email and online forums.
- Professional Advisory — Guidelines from the Ontario College of Teachers on using digital tools responsibly.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Ontario College of Teachers' professional advisory on electronic communication and social media.
- Reflect on current classroom practices and identify ways to integrate social media responsibly.
- Develop or update class websites or online platforms for sharing homework and student work.