At our school we are at very early beginnings to understand the legal and ethical considerations in an eLearning context. Management has made the decision that social media is filtered via Network 4 Learning. So unless you choose to use your own data, there is limited ability to use Facebook or Twitter in a learning context. This may change as a greater understanding of the power of such tools for learning occurs.
One also has to remember that our parents of our akonga are still learning about these tools. They themselves are not always adept in thinking about the consequences of their own social media use. As a school that has year 7-13 students the most common issue we deal with is the inappropriate use of Facebook. It is often a shock to the parents to realise that Facebook age restriction and that most of the inappropriate use occurs outside school hours. I have also seen irst hand the bullying by adults through such means. Therefore, we should be teaching our akonga about such behaviours.
Within this move towards a more 21st Century learning environment careful considerations will need to be made to the safety and security of the use of such tools. This current generation are still learning about how they work and the impacts of postings on digital media like Facebook. One also has to remember that Facebook has an age restriction, as does Google+.
Furthermore, not long ago there was hype about our digital footprint and being careful about creating a larger one. This appears to have changed. Which then provides food for thought. As does the following images
So what does this mean in a classroom context? Careful consideration needs to occur about what is posted on line and keeping parents informed. Parents do have the option to opt out of any digital forms of media that includes their child. A blanket consent form upon enrolment may provide consent, but I think that it is important to check.
I also think it is important to educate students about digital citizenship in a purposeful manner. This is also supported by the NZ Teachers council (2012) where they support the use of social media if it is used in a purposeful manner.
Teachers Council and social media from Education Council on Vimeo.
As I come from a school which is still learning about such tools and the potential that they offer education. Through MindLab I have started to see the potential of some social media and how they can add to the learning of our akonga.
New Zealand Teachers Council (2012). Establishing safeguards.[video file]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/49216520
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