Social Media's Impact on Teaching

Social media is changing the way our society communicates as well as the way we teach our students. I teach 1st grade, so social media has not been a huge aspect in my class this year but I swear the kids know how to use an iPAD just as well as I do and their skills in using this technology is only going to improve as they get older. Richardson had an interesting point that many students capabilities in using new technologies are soon going to surpass those of their teachers. I am a young teacher and consider myself pretty savvy with technology, but I can completely see this happening!

Having a webpage that parents can keep up with and have access to classroom information would be an amazing tool. I am always looking for a quick and easy way to communicate with all my students parents and feel that having a class weblog would be a great solution to this need.  The blog mentioned in Figure 2.4 (Lewis Elementary) seems like a wonderful example of how to integrate all individuals in a school (administration, teachers, students and parents) and allow for all parties to be a part of the learning process.

Richardson mentions many of the positive aspects of using weblogs and I agree with many of them. He says they support constructivist learning because students and teachers are creating the content together. He also says the walls of the classroom are extended to the greater world which is completely accurate. Weblogs also seem to be a helpful tool in documenting kids learning and showcasing their progress not only to the teacher but to the audience of the website. I would love to have a years worth of weblogs to document my students progress and growth throughout 1st grade. Allowing students the experience of using weblogs to showcase their learning is an experience they will always remember and value.

The idea of using webloging and wikis in the classroom makes me really excited but a little dubious at the same time. My kids are six years old, with all the safety concerns and privacy issues that come with the internet I am a little hesitant with starting such an ordeal with them. Obviously Richardson mentions using pseudonyms for students, but I'm wondering if that is enough to keep them "safe" on the internet. I'm questioning how much freedom is possible to give to six year olds on the internet, thoughts?

On that note...on this snowy night I'm dreaming of being here...