I recently decided to compile some of the blog posts that I have written regarding social media and administrators. I have created a “page” for these articles that I will continue to update as I write posts that may be helpful, but I just wanted to share this as a blog post to those people who may subscribe to this through an RSS feed or email subscription. There are so many good articles out there but I wanted to compile the ones I have written to help to continuously develop my own portfolio of work. Please see the articles with brief descriptions below:
As I have done a lot of work with school administrators on why they should be using social media and some practical ways to use it within their schools, I wanted to compile some articles together that will help schools/organizations move forward. They will be listed under two categories; the why and the how. The articles are listed below:
The Why
The Power of Twitter – This was one of my first experiences with the power of the network and how Twitter was an amazing resource that could be used to connect with passionate educators all around the world.
An Open Letter to School Administrators – As I become more familiar with social media and how it could be used to improve our schools, this post was written to give administrators some ideas of how they could get started with some tools, who they could follow, as well as some inspiring quotes.
This is not optional anymore – This post discusses the importance of educational administrators to start using social media and learn openly with their schools. Here is a quote from the post:
There can no longer be an “opt out” clause when dealing with technology in our schools, especially from our administrators. We need to prepare our kids to live in this world now and in the future. Change may feel hard, but it is part of learning. We expect it from our kids, we need to expect it from ourselves.
Why Social Media Can and is Changing Education – This post discusses the power of social media across education and makes some points on some of the trends that are happening with schools around the world.
The Power to Kill Innovation – I was disheartened to see a Facebook Page created by a Kindergarten teacher in the states being shut down due to insufficient knowledge on the use of it in the classroom and with the learning community. This article really shows what can happen to a teacher that will dishearten them if we as administrators are not comfortable with emerging trends and technologies.
#Twitteracy – If we are unable to understand what a hashtag or a mention is on Twitter, are we becoming illiterate? The short video at the end of this post really shows the power 140 characters can have.
…and this is why teachers should have blogs – I saw a great example of a teacher starting blogging to openly share her learning with her students and their parents and needed to blog it to the world. This is a great example of what teachers can do with blogs that goes past simply posting homework or assignments.
140 Characters of Kindness – This is a video of me speaking at #140Cuse sharing a personal story of how Twitter and connections I have made over the Internet helped me through a difficult time in my life.
The How
Twitter Hashtags in the Classroom – Hashtags can be used very effectively to help educators organize their classrooms and create an open learning environment. This post gives reasons why you should hashtags with students that tweet in your class, as well as ways that you can set it up.
What Should A Networked Educational Leader Tweet About? – Many administrators have no idea what to tweet about when starting Twitter so this post on the “do and do nots” of tweeting should help those that are reluctant to begin.
Tweeting for Schools – Many schools are now starting to have organizational twitter accounts and this tutorial offers ideas of what you can tweet out as an organization. The focus is slightly different from a personal Twitter account but the connections are still extremely valuable.
Figuring Out For Facebook – Many schools are using Facebook to connect with students but I think it is important to provide caution on “friending” students as this can cause some major issues. This post also provides a link to “Facebook for Educators” which may help many schools get started.
The Blended PLC – As we started our “Learning Leader Project” this year in Parkland School Division, we decided to open our learning up to the world, and share our learning virtually as it happens. This post provides the rationale and the reasons on why this could be done.
Brand You – “Branding” is something that many educators are looking at not only as schools, but as individuals as well. Educators need to understand that we have a digital footprint whether we help create it or not so it is important to try and put our work out there. This is not only to make ourselves marketable, but also to help our fellow educators. Sharing is something that we teach even before kindergarten and social media helps us continue this practice easily as adults.
I am hoping that you some of these articles that I have written will help you or your organization on your journey to become networked educators. I will continue to add as articles I write are applicable.
