Many of us are familiar with the various social media platforms — Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and so on. We know how to use them to share photos, find recipes, organize events, pretty much anything and everything. And many of us use social media in professional ways as well. For educators, their use of social media can be unique. Read on about the different ways in which many schools and educators are taking advantage of social media.
- With Twitter being fast and easy, it’s a great way for schools to share short chunks of information with parents and students.
- Twitter serves as a source for professional development as well. Educators and administrators can follow trends, see new tools, engage in chats, share resources, and get feedback from colleagues.
- Through hashtags and searches, educators use Twitter to research vendors, products, and programs they may be interested in using in their classrooms.
- Schools and districts are turning to Facebook to spread information about their brand — their school!
- Information valuable to parents and teachers can and should be shared here, since Facebook is one of the most widely used social media platforms.
- Like Twitter, educators also use Facebook to connect with colleagues, share resources, and follow relevant companies and organizations.
- Pinterest is full of great resources that educators can and do use in the classroom. In some cases, this is the first place they go to find free resources, lesson plans, classroom activities, and even ideas for how to decorate their classrooms.
- Schools are also utilizing Pinterest to share their own content, including resources for parents to help with homework and student needs.
- Schools can use Instagram to show exactly what is going on in classrooms, hallways, and fields in a quick and visual way.
- With so many students participating in Instagram, this popular platform is an effective way for schools to connect with them, and create an even larger sense of community.
YouTube
- YouTube has videos for everything! Educators can use YouTube to search for ideas on classroom activities, product demonstrations, or training videos.
- Some educators are utilizing YouTube to create their own channels, which students can then access to get additional information or help relevant to their coursework.
- LinkedIn differs from many other social media platforms in the sense that educators use it to connect with colleagues, not students or parents.
- Through LinkedIn, educators can grow professionally through groups, associations, and professional development opportunities.
MMS Education can help you keep social straight and determine how to use it in support of your education program or product. Call us today at 866–382–6116 or fill out this form to see how MMS Education can help you.
