I have experienced and used Social Media networks for 10 years now and as they have evolved so as my use and discernment of them and their content. In my own teaching practice, I have used several educational groups to find solutions, inspiration and even collaboration in developing ideas in writing, artistic projects and for professional Study. Having access to a network of professional peers that is not time-dependent has allowed me to utilise my time to develop my own learning and be exposed to a wider group of individuals and ideas. Facebook group NZ Primary Teachers and the offshoot Art teachers and Big Life Journal, has broadened my view on learning with exposure to innovative ideas that have sparked other personal ones. This usually is a two-way process and I also contribute to discussions and the blogs. A bonus is this knowledge/experience can be shared with people in a network allowing the individual to access knowledge without having to invest time, a conventional relationship would need. The learner also remains in control of their input and learning, being able to exit when needed without any social pressure.
As stated by Melhuish (2013) a framework for change in education is supported by the Online Social Networks. The New Zealand Ministry recognised that technology is the enabler for change, and as an incentive provided our 'In School Laptop schemes' and fast-tracked internet fibre connections to facilitate this growth. Worldwide people have access to and use social networks. As stated by Seaman&Tiniti-Kane (2013) an increase in social media use in teaching has occurred and since then growth has continued exponentially. Through this interaction, knowledge has been shared and learning occurred (for better or worse) depending on the content and understanding. It can support, inform, create and entertain. This media platform can allow the person's mind to be exposed to deeper levels of knowledge. However, having a sound pedagogy established first, is important to ensure this tool is used appropriately. Misinformation can create both problems and inhibit personal growth. Think of propaganda, cyberbullying or fabricated stories used, which confuses the unenlightened or uneducated. Social media can be innovative however because loyalty can't be demanded, quirky and sensationalism has crept into some sights which undermines the value of its content. Education in informed, responsible use will avoid a child becoming caught up in these sights, participating in unethical practise, wasting time, or flicking through images with no intended purpose other than entertainment.
Used well social Media can give virtual experiences without the time, geographical or social restrictions.We can take learning outside the classroom, to query, find answers or solutions to real-world problems without the associated risk of being there physically. Language adaptations can be used to remove any barrier for learning and reflective posts can provide rich empathetic answers from people who have experiences in the first person. These can be saved for future generations and allow rich conservations to emerge about events that occurred not in their living memory. Social Networks provide a platform for new age growth in future learning. As educators balance, discernment and relevance can be modeled to grow independent inquiring minds.
NZ Education Council. (n.d.). What is social media . Retrieved June 16, 2017 from http://teachersandsocialmedia.co.nz/what-social-me...
Melhuish, K.(2013). Online social networking and its impact on New Zealand educators’ professional learning. Master Thesis. The University of Waikato. Retrieved on 05 May, 2015 from http://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/bitstream/han…
Seaman, J., & Tinti-Kane, H. (2013). Social media for teaching and learning. Babson Survey Research Group. Retrieved from http://www.onlinelearningsurvey.com/reports/social-media-for-teaching-and-learning-2013-report.pdf
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