Social Networks & Media in Schools.

It was a busy week with a lot of learning, our class started off with this inspirational video. What are your thoughts when you watch it?

As educators, it is important for us to embrace the social media/networking world we live in. However, we must do so wisely and not blindly. Educate ourselves, model for our children.

Here is a quick video with tips for using Social Media, it is simplistic in nature but effective. If you, your students, or your own children are or want to be involved in social media have a plan, educate, and practice safety.

Our second topic is one I hold near and dear to my heart, Pinterest!

As I was droning on and on in my post about Pinterest, I thought "Maybe I should have done an entire post about Pinterst!".  So that is exactly what I did. Click the Pinterest label below to be taken to my Pinterest post.

Did I say I LOVE IT! Check it out, use it. With all the time you save using it as a tool, you will have time to create one of the many craft ideas or cooking ideas you see.

On of our final activities, or topics, this week in class was "Pros/Cons of Social Media & Networking in Schools".  Through the research, I found tons of information, linked below:

• Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom
• How Students Benefit from Using Social Media
• Benefits and Drawbacks of Social Media in Education
• Social Media Usage Provides Educational Benefits Research Shows

But the most powerful piece in this activity, to me anyway, was the Google Drive tool for research. I have already shared it with one coworker, and plan to revise my Google Drive post (or possibly a Google Drive Board on Pinterest) and share it with my building.

Social Media/Networking

scary:yes

necessary:yes

possible:yes

educatable:yes

unavoidable:yes

the future:yes

Embrace it,

Lori

Social Bookmarking, Google Calendar, & other Organizational Tools

Wow, another week packed full of learning.

Social Bookmarking-Diigo

   I loved the organization of this tool on a personal and professional level.  I am often doing research or stumbling around the internet and find tons of ideas and resources.  Bookmarking them is a pain and unrealistic.  I have even been known to create a word document with all the links.  I have even tried 'onenote' unsuccessfully. Diigo is great. However, there is one draw back.  I am a very visual person, and the presentation is somewhat bothersome.  I hate that there is no thumbnail image, or snapshot.  I think it would help me find things, if there was an image too.

   You can use this tool with your students too.  One site, mentioned having a separate account as your student sharing account.  It definitely makes sense to have a separate account, but I am not sure I would like the management of a separate account.

Google Calendar

    How did I not know about this.  Not only do I plan on exploring the option of using this as a checkout calendar with my staff, but there are so many more applications.  It would be a great way to have a 'family' calendar.  My husband, I , and my three kids all have smart phones.  What a great way to manage a crazy family schedule. Finally, I think I will encourage my husband to use this for his club lacrosse scheduling (share with parents and players).

Other Organizational Tools

    What a great PLN our class is.  I have some great ideas, I am excited to try.

    SignUpGenius for conferences, why not?

    ClassDojo 

or 

     ClassCraft

tough choice. Click here or here for some reviews and comparisons

    Remind-easy to use! Could this be a tool for emergency contact during a crisis event?

    Alarm Clock software for your computer. I love this tool it is free, and helps us remember to save and log off for the bell.

Here is a list of sites my class shared:

Thoughtboxes , Planbookedu, Doodle, Livebinders, and Whensend

Happy Organizing,

Lori