Week Three Readings

I am excited about the positive outlooks concerning Twitter and other social media. It seems like we often hear the negativity of these media tools, how they take time from our families and the marvels of folks scrolling, tweeting, and facebooking on their mobile phone constantly, avoiding traditional human contact. Most of the readings this week supported the idea that social media can foster future "real" relationships, break the ice, and set up conversations that might have otherwise never taken place. I agree with the idea that social media keeps us close without being too close, a sense of knowing each other while continuing with our own daily busy lives. I can think of several current friends that grew from Facebook acquaintance status. Simple conversations, liking a picture or a comment can set up easy conversations that develop naturally. It truly provides a sense of "we are all here together". Growing up and living in a small town, I should be used to all knowing all, but social media has made this even more real.

    Prior to this week, I had a twitter account. I did this solely for school, as it was a requirement during a professional development, yet anything beyond having an account never came to fruition. I never learned how to navigate twitter. I am going to try again. Several of my students are following me. They are going to get bored! On the other hand, I am excited about implementing a Twitter project in the classroom with an upcoming novel. I learned of the idea from the week's reading of specific classroom implementations. Students will assume a character  role and will tweet accordingly through the progression of the novel, with all students following and being followed by their classmates. What a real, authentic way to engage students in the reading long after class hours! I am taking a gamble on this project that hopefully will be a small one. Until recently, my district has kept a policy on the books that any social media connection between teachers and students was forbidden. A committee is now in place to revisit these policies. My students are extremely excited about using this tool in the classroom.
   The document concerning teens and their online privacy needs was an interesting read. I found it reassuring that most students do not feel that online access makes them more vulnerable to bullying. My inference is that even though online bullying may occur and it may seem a safe place for a weak bully to intimidate another, it is traceable unlike the traditional bullying that was " he said, she said". It was surprising to me as well, that Facebook was the most popular social media. I hear many students commenting about Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr. It seems that our youth is accepting the social media world and has a more positive outlook regarding this tool. It can be used positively and they get this. Hopefully, the old folks will catch up to the positive perspective.