Making the Case for Social Media in Education

Based on a Blog by Steve Johnson

Original Publication Date:  3/11/2010

I think we are all aware that social media, Facebook and other social networking sites have permeated life outside the classroom.  We have access to them every minute of the day either through the computer or our smart phones.  They have quickly become society’s method of communication.  However, at the majority of schools social networking sites are blocked.  My school is no different.  The author, Steve Johnson, believes that blocking these sites is not only impossible, due to the personal devices students carry, but also a disservice to our students.

Blocking the sites also blocks the opportunity to instruct students in the appropriate and responsible use of social networking sites.  He states that “we teach sex ed, we teach healthy living, we teach about drugs, we teach character ed, and on and on.  We do these things each and every day, yet we are ignoring the aspect of our students’ lives that is larger than all of these things” (Johnson, 2010). The author continues to provide “talking point” when discussing lifting social networking filters.  He states that is our duty as educators to help students understand the implications of social networking as well as becoming a responsible cyber citizen.  We need to “start modeling responsible use of social media and encouraging them to follow our lead” (Johnson, 2010).

As stated in a previous post, social media is becoming our first impression for potential employers and college admission personnel.  Johnson states that “45% of employers researched social networking sites of prospective employees” (Johnson, 2010).  Not only is it important to stop inappropriate posting and photos but to encourage a positive use of social networking to highlight accomplishments. 

The community at large is using social networking sites to move “toward a model of shared knowledge building” (Johnson, 2010).  If schools continue to ban social networking sites we are stopping students from participating in this type of learning and handicapping them in becoming successful adults who contribute to a community of learning.

Lastly, schools are wasting time and energy trying to block social networking sites. Most students carry smart phones which have the capability to connect to social networking sites at any moment.  “They are carrying an unfiltered access point in their pocket” (Johnson, 2010).   Social networking can be a positive tool if used appropriately and educators have the opportunity to demonstrate positive responsible usage.

Johnson, S. (2010, March 11). Making a case for social media in education [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/social-media-case-education-edchat-steve-johnson