Earlier in EDUC
422, an online search revealed that I do not have much of a “digital tattoo”.
My lack of positive digital image is because I deliberately chose not to have
any social media accounts or personal websites. After taking EDUC 422 I realize
that this avoidance of social media is not congruent with being a teacher. As a future teacher I understand that it is important
to communicate with my students, teachers, and parents using the social
media. After reading theses article I
believe that communicating and collaborating with my fellow teachers on “Twitter”
offers the most efficient and concise exchange of ideas and information. Twitter has well established Twitter chat
forums that you can monitor for ideas and when you are ready exchange
ideas. Twitter also has the advantage of
being limited to 140 characters, so the reading load it manageable. Twitter is also safer for underage students
because of its visibility. Other forms
of social media, for example Facebook, are less visible so they have to adhere
to strict guidelines when students are involved. The saying, “No man is an island” is
especially true in education and the 21st century teacher needs to
embrace social media as a tool for modern communication.
Matt, I agree with your comment about twitter being the most efficient type of social media, in the mainstream at least. Posting something in 140 characters or less is great for readers because it forces the writer to be quick and to the point, but it is harder than you might think to post something in such a small amount of characters. I believe that a class facebook might be an option as well, but more for the parents than the students. I am "friends" with my daughter's school and they provide helpful information on activities and events dates and deadlines.
ReplyDeleteMatt,
ReplyDeleteI have been in the same boat as you have! I have been trying to avoid social media as best as I can because I too thought that it wouldn't help me in any way in my career. The best part about Twitter, as you've mentioned in your post, is the small amount of reading that Twitter offers which is great because I can only imagine how busy we're going to be!
"My lack of positive digital image is because I deliberately chose not to have any social media accounts or personal websites. After taking EDUC 422 I realize that this avoidance of social media is not congruent with being a teacher."
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but the way you worded this was supremely elegant. :) For most people it is the other way around, where we were not careful with what ended up on social media. But you're right about the lack of a digital tattoo is just as hurtful. I did not own a Twitter prior to this class because I did not see a positive outcome of having one. It did not benefit my in any way! But I agree that after taking this class, I understand the benefits of the different social medias.