Social Media in Schools @ Blackfoot ETC

Using Social Media to Improve Classroom and School

CommunicationsJason Neiffer

Doctoral Student, Curriculum & Instructionthe University of Montana

@techsavvyteach

http://www.workshophandouts.com/blackfootsocialmedia

Paperless Handouts:

con·ver·gence

the occurrence of two or more things coming together

Joe Logan

Allen Avenue SchoolImage:

UCSF School of PharmacyImage:

13th Street Studio

Jason Neiffer

So, what?

Ignoring social media means shutting down a potentially massive channel of communication to parents, community members and tax payers!

...or else?

Social media presence should be planned; messaging is important

Accurate, up-to-date information beats our function; function beats out form

Unofficial presences are as important as official channels

Student voice is as important as adult voice

Simple Rulesfor Success

Low-Hanging Fruit

School Websites

http://jasonlinks.net/6

Classroom Websites

http://jasonlinks.net/7

Options

Blogging Platforms:EduBlogs, KidBlogs, Blogger,

Blog.com, TypePad, Jux, Tumblr, Posterous, Weebly,

LiveJournal

Serverside Content Management Systems (CMS):Wordpress, Joomla, Drupal,

PHP Nuke

Simple:Coded website, School Wires

Other Platforms:Wikispaces, Google Sites

Social Media Options

Facebook

http://jasonlinks.net/8

Twitter

http://jasonlinks.net/9

Media Channels: YouTube & Flickr

http://jasonlinks.net/a

Content?

School Happening:Guest Speakers, Assemblies, School Events, School Plays, Graduation, Concerts, Sports

Events

School Photos:Albums from School Events,

Classroom Projects, Field Grips

Video:Clips from Events, Sports,

Projects

Encourage Engagement:Fundraising, School Event Announcement, Pro-Levy

Messages

Strategery

Make social media an assignment for staff (or students); don’t assume it will just get doneAccept social media as public relations stategy