Social Media“Do’s and Don’ts

By: Rebeca Garcia

Social Media and Education

When we hear the words “social media” that firsts thoughts that come to mind are sites used to pass the time or stay connected to friends and family or to simply have fun. But this is changing through time social media now is becoming a tool in the professional field and in education. Social media sites such as Edmodo, Wiki had been used by educators to have flipped classrooms and for students to interact with other classrooms around the world to share data and learn from each other. “”The use of social media sites can increase class interaction, and student teacher communication”. (Ferriman, 2013)

Social media and students

Even though social media has become a powerful tool in education there are still some stigma for the use of it. Many educators and parents don’t feel comfortable using these tools because of the risks; but if social media is used right then there can be many benefits to both teachers and students. Mainly because the use of social media in the classrooms, exposes students to the real world and to the future working field in which they will have to be experts in using tools. Social media are sites that are public to everyone around the world, this is one of the reasons there are some risks when using them. Therefore there are some relevant do’s and don’ts everyone should be aware of when using social media sites.

Top 5 do’s1. Do control who sees your page, set your privacy setting so only

“friends” have access to your page.

2. Do remember that social media sites are public; and nothing that is posted in the web can be truly be erased ever.

3. Do join in conversations and groups in which you can be inspired or beneficiated to achieve academic and job goals and extend your knowledge

4. Do monitor your friends’ pictures, by setting up a Google alert on your name. If someone tags you in an inappropriate picture remove the tag and ask that the picture be removed.

5. Do keep a professional profile in social media; avoid grammatical errors.

(Hand, 2015)

Top 5 don’ts1. Do not accept anyone who you don’t know as a “friend”.

2. Do not post language, material, photos, or videos that can be considered as inappropriate or unprofessional

3. Do not post any hurtful, or threatening comment about anyone, this is considered cyberbullying.

4. Do not post confidential information in social media such as class schedules, resumes, etc.

5. Do not check-in too specifically announcing where you are or posting times in which you will be alone.

(Buck, 2012)

Other Helpful links on social media …

• http://www.edutopia.org/blog/guidebook-social-media-in-classroom-vicki-davis

Tips on how to add social media in classrooms • http://

www.edutopia.org/blog/introducing-social-media-lower-elementary-beth-holland

Social media and elementary students • http://www.kbkcommunications.com/33-tips-social-media-web-colleg

e-student

/ Social media tips for students• http://

www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/08/essential-social-media-et_n_637690.html

Social media etiquette

References

• References

• Buck, S. (2012, September 4). 12 things students should never do on social media. Retrieved from Mashable: http://mashable.com/2012/09/04/students-social-media-warnings/

• Ferriman, ,. J. (2013, November 11). Growing Use of Social Media in Education. Retrieved from Learndash: http://www.learndash.com/growing-use-of-social-media-in-education/

• Hand, G. (2015). 10 Smart Social Media Tips for Students. Retrieved from College xpress: http://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/articles/college-health-safety/10-smart-social-networking-tips-students/