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As a future educator and from being in the teaching program, I have learned the importance of PLN’s for and in education when working toward my professional growth and development. According to Common Sense Education: What’s a PLN? And 3 Ways Teachers Can Get Connected, teachers who have a PLN can personalize their professional learning by getting connected, trying something new, and share with others. By connecting with others, teachers can learn from other professionals who share the same interests. As our connections get bigger, we can ask for advice and even gain resources like lesson ideas to help us with our own teaching. Lastly, we will be able to share our own personal experiences with one another, allowing us to learn from others’ experiences. For example, we might have a similar situation that we are unsure of what to do for a students’ behaviour in which we can learn new things to try based on the stories we hear from others.
Which social media platforms are beneficial in education?
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Many different social media platforms are beneficial in education as they allow for various opportunities for communication, collaboration, and resource sharing between educators, their students, and other professionals. I believe that there are many social media platforms which are beneficial in education, specifically the ones that allow educators to share information and resources, lead discussions, give out tips, share visuals and audio to allow for multimedia learning, and more. From my personal experience as a student teacher, I find myself using Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, TikTok, Google Classroom and TeachersPayTeachers. I utilize these platforms the most because they allow me to connect with other professionals and students and their families, with whom I can share resources and engage in discussions with. These platforms also allow me to teach online through a multimedia way of learning, which increases accessibility for my learners and reaches a diverse audience, ultimately making education more inclusive for all. Having access to information and resources allow educators to have rich and diverse sources of educational content which we can use. This is significant because it ensures that our teaching methods are modernized to what our students are currently up to date with. By doing this and using the social media trends, it helps teachers to ensure our students stay engaged in their learnings. For example, teachers could host live sessions, teach complex materials in bit-sized information forms, and have discussion forums for students to use. According to the video Social Media Use in Education, incorporating teaching and learning into social media allows students to “communicate ideas, add value to subjects, assist collaboration on projects, find up-to-date information, and communicate with people all over the world”. These social media platforms don’t only benefit education from a student perspective, but also from a teacher perspective. Teachers can use social media to help with their professional development by attended webinars, having educational chats with other professionals, taking online courses to further their knowledge, and engage in discussions with other experts and professionals to help expand their knowledge and teaching assets. Using social media for educational purposes also allow teachers to experiment and increase their innovation and creativity in their teachings. For example, teachers will deliver content in new ways through visual storytelling, gamification, etc. This will ensure that as a teacher, we are also being continuous learners.
When working with the vulnerable sector, how does social media fit into professionalism and regulations?
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As educators, we are often working with the vulnerable sector to deliver education to them. While we are working with these vulnerable sectors, such as children, elders, and those with neuro and physical diversities, we must maintain professionalism to ensure their safety and well-being. It is important that we recognize and acknowledge their privacy and confidentiality and abide by their consent. This means that educators must not release any personal information, pictures, or details of their students at any point unless given permission to by the individual or someone who has the right to give permission for them (i.e., a guardian of the child), especially on social media. To maintain professionalism as an educator, I ensure that my personal accounts are private, minimize and avoid sharing my own personal information or unnecessary information that does not have to do with my students, use appropriate language and behaviours, and not share my students’ information at any point without their consent, and even if given consent, I will only share for educational purposes. This creates a clear professional boundary between me and my students, which helps in protecting the vulnerable individuals and myself for legal liability and decreases the risk of my professional reputation. By following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), I am creating a safe environment for my students and the vulnerable sector. This allows me to maintain trust and integrity with my professional relationships and ensures that nothing legal or ethical is compromised while building these relationships. To help maintain my professionalism and follow regulations, I will implement guidelines regarding social media and privacy into my future classroom to ensure that all families are aware of and oblige by the rules. I believe this will help all my students and their families to feel they are in a safe environment as they know that the child’s safety and privacy is being promoted inside and outside of the classroom.
Resources
Social media use in education. YouTube. (2014, September 14). https://youtu.be/fQ3j6zf9Xms?si=ADxlQtVcrp0SbNwE
What’s a PLN? and 3 ways teachers can get connected. YouTube. (2017, July 21). https://youtu.be/Ju54C5A3RCw?si=PsBCkyCnwz-H3O0s
November 10, 2023 at 8:54 pm
Hello Meaghan,
Your blog article exhibits a thorough knowledge of the educational benefits of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). Your usage of social media platforms for collaboration and resource sharing demonstrates a well-rounded approach to professional growth. Furthermore, your emphasis on professionalism and adherence to standards, particularly when working with vulnerable groups, demonstrates a responsible and ethical approach. Your focus to privacy, permission, and adhering to rules such as FERPA demonstrates your commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment. Overall, your viewpoint emphasizes the significance of constant learning and innovation in the ever-changing sector of education.
November 12, 2023 at 1:32 am
Exceptionally valuable content! It brings to mind the transformative AI marketing tips from James Jernigan on YouTube. His channel is my guiding principle in the world of digital marketing.