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Which social media do you use? What do you use them
for?
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Have you had any negative or unexpected
experiences with social media?
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Do you think social media can be used
effectively in educational or workplace settings or should it be limited or
even prohibited? If so, at what grade level or circumstance? Please give
specific examples about appropriate and inappropriate use of social media and
look for articles to share with the class.
We are heading towards web 3.0 where browser will be a personal
assistant thus, it is absolutely essential that students grasp on the social
media and other similar tools to cope up with the information technology boom.
Young people are using these social media for variety of reasons-sharing good
articles, music, videao and ideas. As mentioned in Beloit mindset List 2014,
the facebook and similar sites are fastest means to communicate the message
after text messaging. The great idea of revolution in Syria was spread through
these networking sites only. This is an impressive fact that technology brought
people together, and helped in information sharing, which the security
apparatus failed to prevent.
But, parents and teachers have to supervise their children all the time
so that technology is not misused. A report published in LA times(Nov 8,
2011) claims that, ’The majority of
teenagers who use social networking websites say their peers are mostly kind to
one another online, but 88% still say they've witnessed people being mean and
cruel on such sites. According to a new study, fifteen percent say they've been
the target of bad behavior on social media sites.’ Young children, especially, face some issues
related to privacy, inappropriate content and cyber bullying.
Researches and think tanks are repeatedly emphasizing the fact that
teachers/instructors should be aware of the critical issues related to the use
the social media. While the online discussion threads via Twitter or Facebook can provide excellent opportunity
to teach and, but one should never forget that the personal information posted
on these websites are permanent and searchable everywhere. The profile information,
pictures and video can be accessed by
anyone. As educators, we should make sure that students understand what are
they writing, is public, and potential employers will be able to see any kind
of negative comments or tweets.
Personally, before signing up for any kind of newsletter, or any
website, I always uncheck the box-Share my information with partner websites.
Many of the websites share and spread the personal information to other partner
websites, that keep you sending the spam/junk. You might not even know how your personal information is being used.
Youngsters need to know ins and outs of this. The main reason is that the
privacy policies of these websites/companies change often and we might not be
even notified about it!
Once, I discussed these issues with my next door neighbor, Jeana, a mom
of 13 years. She said that sometimes she feels helpless how to tackle these
issues. She is too busy with job and other responsibilities. I have found a
very useful pdf for parents: “How Does Social Networking Help Children (PDF)”
Surf Net Parents. Thus, it is teachers’ responsibility to educate the learners
about all privacy issues related to social media, blogs, and other similar
applications.
I think children can start using any kind of social media tool only
after 14-15 years because after this period they become aware of
‘metacognition’ and demonstrate ‘contextual intelligence’. They also
demonstrate conventional morality (Kohlberg). So, they can be educated
regarding potential risks related to social media and its overuse.
Social media can be effectively used for discussions and brainstorming
with the tools such as twitter, blogs or wallwisher. The other social
networking sites can be used to reach out parents, receive feedbacks and
connecting with alumni group. While education is delivered electronically where
students have to use computers, PDAs, tablets or other similar gadgets, there
are greater chances of distraction, which may lead to time management issue and
misuse of internet access.
I personally use facebook and twitter. I also have an account with
linked in networking sites, which is mainly used to professional tie-ups. I use
facebook to connect with friends and family. I have been blogging since 2008
and blogspot is my favorite. My experience has been good till date!
Reference:
Kohlberg, Lawrence (1981). Essays on Moral Development, Vol. I: The Philosophy of Moral
Development. San Francisco, CA: Harper & Row
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