Social Media Round 2

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Pros and Cons of Social Media
One article I read this time was the Pros and Cons of Social Media. This article brought up points that as parents we are all scared about-bullying, identify theft, self-image, predators and much more. The article states that in our society today even though these things are all scary they can all be prevented by the parents monitoring and guiding their children on appropriate internet safety. It also mentions how even though they are 13, parents need to think of their child as an individual and think of their maturity level, habits and experiences rather than a date on their birth certificate. I complete agree with this statement. Not every child is alike and we need to think before we allow our children to follow the crowds and do what is best for them. One thing that was a pro in this article that I did not even think of was that children today are becoming better at recognizing 'fake news' from real news. This is because they are more engaged in social issues and politics than generation before. I am not sure how much I agree with this for children that are 13, but maybe for older ones. 
Photo Credit 


How Social Media is Reshaping Education 

When I first read the title, I thought I was going to be learning about more technology in the classroom. However, what stood out to me in the article was how to form better relationships with parents and the community. After working in Chicago for four years, it was hard to contact some parents because I did not have a phone in my room. I would reach out to parents using my own cell phone number. I would rather text parents immediately and have them have my number than make them download an app that they would never check. By having my phone portable it allowed me to contact parents when a student was not participating in gym right then and there and I would not forget. Now this was not mentioned in the article, but it brings me to communicating with parents today. Most parents would prefer and email or text over a phone call. The article mentions how most parents are so busy that they might not have time to look in their child's folder and read many pages of new letters. It suggests how principals are using Facebook, Twitter and other means of social media to connect with parents. I know for a fact that most parents are checking their phones while at work and may not have time to read the many new letters sent home when their child is sitting right there. 

Social Media for Me 

I am not shutting out social media within my classroom, but I am not sure how to use it in my current position. I only have my students for 30 minutes at a time and in that time I work on phonics skill and reading or progress towards their IEP goals. I do however, make sure my students are doing whatever social media that they peers are using when they are in the classroom. It may be hard for my diverse learners to use these platforms, but I am always communicating with their teachers to help them when I am in there. 

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