Social Media & Education

I have never been a big social media geek.  I would usually post pictures of my kids on Facebook.  I enjoy seeing friends posts and I like that it helps me stay connected with  friends.  But as I mature, I find that I am on my Facebook page less and less.  The busier I am the less time and energy I have for social media.  In my EDU 776 class one of the assignments was starting a Twitter account and getting myself involved in with a PLN (Professional Learning Network). It was exciting and overwhelming.

I recently read an article "6 Tips for Teachers on Social Media In a Connected World".  I found the encouragement for the article very helpful especially for someone like me who is social media wary.  The author made several points that I completely agree with and I thought voiced common sense. 

The main point was to keep personal and professional accounts separate. As teachers we are held to a higher professional standard and we have to be careful about what we share and the possible reflection it can have on our professional self, our school, and school system.

Another point, and the one that I found most helpful was don't be afraid and reach out to other educators.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Don't be afraid to connect with other teachers in my specialty.  Bottom line, just don't be afraid.  Sometimes you just need to close your eyes and jump.  I dipped my feet into the pond.  Now it's time to jump in.  I needed that encouragement to keep up with my Twitter and to keep growing and learning through my PLN.