Facbook and Twitter Pages

I still remember when I was first introduced to the world of Facebook.  I was a freshman in college and it was the latest “thing.”  At this point, Facebook was only for college students.  It had only been around for one year.  I had ABSOLUTELY no clue, nor could I have predicted, what an impact that site would have on all aspects of my future life, personally and professionally.   As an Early Childhood Education major, I certainly never considered the role Facebook would play in my life as an teacher.  Soon after Facebook became a popular form of communication/socializing, Twitter came about.  Fast forward twelve years and Facebook and Twitter are ubiquitous terms that have even added to and changed words (i.e. “friend” became a verb- as is “I friended/defriended someone.” “defriend” became a word! “Wall” was not something that made up a building; and “tweet” is not just something birds do.) and they are available to anyone with internet connection.  I think it will be funny to explain to kids today, that there was actually a time when Facebook and Twitter couldn’t be accessed by a phone (back when you had to pay per text on phones! Ha!)  Social Media has become a huge part of daily lives for kids, parents, students, business professionals, and even grandparents. 

While social media has proven to be a great way to communicate and stay up-to-date with people, businesses, and entities, it is a double edge sword.  On one side, we have a quick way to access and share ideas, photos, ask questions, and learn new information.  On the other hand, just like with anything, the potential for abuse is obvious.  Anyone with an email address can create accounts and this allows for some room for anonymity.  People can make up fake accounts and share misinformation or slander.  There is also the ever-growing problem of cyber-bullying.  I love what The SAGE Encyclopedia of Educational Technology says about online safety, when considering social media- “While the socialization aspects are powerful, educators should strongly consider the online safety of young teens before venturing into social media.  If not supervised properly, social media can open students up to cyber bullying and leave a negative digital footprint, both of which could have strong, lasting effects.”  I think that using social media as a tool in the classroom is a fantastic idea and wonderful way to reach the students of the 21^st century.  Social media can be used in classrooms and libraries alike.  It truly is a great way to get students to collaborate and share.  It’s also a terrific way for educators to share information about the school and community with parents and students.  In addition, students and parents can communicate in return.  However, if teachers and librarians use social media, they must do so diligently.  I think it’s important for social media sites to be kept updated and monitored against abuse.  Teachers and librarians must also educate students on appropriate use of social media. 

In visiting various Facebook pages for libraries, I noticed many pages used as a form of communicating upcoming events, recent school news, and photos of students in action.  I particularly liked the Facebook pages that shared book reviews and suggestions.  One page in particular shared information about getting ebooks from the local public library, as a suggestion for parents.  Social media is a fabulous tool for communicating helpful information instantaneously, while providing a way for visitors to supply feedback or ask questions.  It’s also useful in the even that information needs to be shared immediately because of changes.  For instance, I saw on one library’s page where they shared how their family night changed to the night before the original date.  If parents and students are aware of Facebook pages being updated and used regularly, and librarians are diligent in updating the pages, it can be such a useful asset.  The advantages are clear.  Of course the disadvantages are still present.  Facebook pages must be monitored and updated.  If pages are not updated, patrons will cease to check them.  Also, sadly the potential for students, or even malicious outsiders, to post inappropriate comments, could be an issue, which is why daily monitoring would be necessary. 

Like Facebook, Twitter is another popular social media tool.  In fact, Twitter is probably even more popular for sharing thoughts, ideas, and opinions.  With a limited number of characters allowed for each post, Twitter is short and quick.  I know many teaching professionals who use Twitter with their students and classes.  Again, like with Facebook, Twitter accounts for classes and libraries need to be closely monitored.  Honestly, I have not been an avid Twitter user in the past.  Over the last few weeks, I have enjoyed following many different accounts in the library world.  There are extremely enlightening posts.  I especially like the posts that express opinions about the latest books and share articles and blogs about using technology in the classroom.  Kathy Schrock has shared some valuable information on her Twitter account, that I have already bookmarked for when I’m back in a school.  She is truly inspiring, when it comes to the use of technology!  I’ve also found School Library Journal to be a valuable account to follow.  This account shares a variety of information from book information to technology, as used in the library.  I particularly like this account because it relates directly to the library, which will greatly benefit me in the future.  I think the most valuable aspect of Twitter is how fluid, constant and “real time” it is.  Unlike with magazines and journals (used to keep abreast in the past), Twitter accounts can post and get information out to the world instantaneously, allowing followers to stay informed on the latest and most influential information out there.  We no longer have to wait for good ideas to trickle to us or to get our good ideas heard.  This kind of sharing and collaboration has, and will continue to, change the world.  Information is so readily available now, it truly is powerful!