Concerns+and+Resources

=Concerns and Issues:=
 * How do you implement social media in the classroom when not every student has access to computers or internet at home?
 * How does a teacher prevent cyber-bullying?
 * How can I use this if I am not tech-savvy?
 * What do I do if my school blocks social media sites on campus?

Misuse and abuse:
“There's also concern in the administrative ranks about the misuse of social media by sexual predators and student bullies, online relationships between teachers and students, and inappropriate postings. Some of those fears seem warranted, given recent incidents that have embroiled school districts in public controversies. In Chicago last March, one elementary school teacher made headlines, and faced disciplinary action by the district, for using her personal Facebook page to ridicule the hairstyle—and post a picture—of one of her 7-year-old students. Shortly before that, a male gym teacher resigned from an Atlanta school after a criminal probe was launched into his sending inappropriate personal messages via his own Facebook account to a 15-year-old female student” (Schachter).
 * This quote is from the article "The Social Media Dilemma," written by Ron Schachter. In response to this, I would say it is important to note that using social media as a teaching tool should not involve teachers communicating privately with students or breaking school rules involving social media uses. Social media should be used in a controlled way as a tool for students to practice their communication and language skills, among other things.

Lack of control and privacy:
“Allison started using social networking in his classes about six years ago when he met two other educators in a summer workshop. They set up a blog site to get the three classes of students communicating with one another. They now use Drupal, which gives educators choices. The whole world can see and comment on writings from students, but educators can close or open any individual post they want. Allison can also determine if he only wants other teachers or administrators to see the site” (Pascopella and Richardson).
 * This quote is from the article "The New Writing Pedagogy: Using social networking tools to keep up with student interests," by Angela Pascopella and Will Richardson. This quote describes a great use of social media, facilitating communication between students and the sharing of information between these different classes. Although the article does not reveal what blogging site the classes use, it sounds like these teachers have found a site that allows them to monitor what their students are posting and to control who can see the site. Sites like Ning.com can do just this.

Not Tech-Savvy?
The article "Thirdspace: A Perspective on Professional Development" by Susi Bostock, in the March 2012 edition of the Language Arts journal, addresses how teachers can learn from their students. Bostock writes, "Thus, I can draw upon my students; knowledge and help expand their potential to incorporate new roles and leadership in the course of their own learning. It is this Thirdspace in my classroom where it becomes possible for my students and me to redefine what counts as knowledge and learning" (223).

=Articles (and book):=

The New Writing Pedagogy
Using social networking tools to keep up with student interests. By: Angela Pascopella and Will Richardson District Administration, Nov 2009 []

The Social Media Dilemma
While some districts are making the most of popular social networks, others are not choosing the "Like" button. By: Ron Schachter District Administration, Jul 2011 []

Bostock, Susi. “Thirdspace: a Perspecive on Professional Development.” //Language Arts// 89.4 (2012): 222-231. Print.

Guzzetti, Barbra, Kate Elliot, and Diana Welsch. //DIY Media in the Classroom: New Literacies Across Content Areas.//  New York: Columbia University, 2010. Print.

=Resources:=

wiredSafety – [|www.wired safety.org] This site provides information about stopping and preventing cyber-crime and harassment for students, parents, teachers and administrators.

[|www.elgg.com] On this site a group can customize their social networking platform and thus can have more control of the environment (Guzzetti et al 27). The only downside is a cost of $30 per month.

[|www.ning.com] This site is a cheaper way (only $3 per month) to create a closed online social network, oftentimes around a special interest (Guzzetti et al 27).