Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/827301
| wyoea.org 29 | wyoea.org 29 all know the professional tone to take when we talk face-to-face with kids, parents, and the community, but sometimes with the buffer of a keyboard we lose proper perspective. What sounds funny in your head doesn't always translate to hilarious in the written word. You can delete a Tweet or a post but they can always be captured…and BOOM! Landmine! Best to err on the side of professional. That's not to say that I don't occasionally post personal stuff on Twitter, Instagram, Scoopit, and Pinterest. I might share a Kindle quote from what I'm reading, a picture of my Mom's perfect Thanksgiving turkey, or a selfie with a friend at an Ed Tech or Library conference. Sharing personal info shows you're human, approachable, and authentic. Do Share the Awesome! I think the best way to use social media in school isn't with kids but about kids. Without being preachy, we can be a role model for effective and ethical social media use to our kiddos and colleagues. Most of us have smartphones on us all the time, making it so easy to capture those exciting daily lessons, activities, projects, and general fun. With Instagram tied to my Twitter, I like to catch pictures of my students being awesome. From #Shelfies (kids posing with books they've checked out), science projects, robotics, school plays, impromptu dancing, lip dubs, to our Makerspace—this is an opportunity to connect with the community. Make sure to check your school policy about publishing the faces of kids. If that is a concern or a confusion, or if you have kids who are camera shy, consider taking dynamic pictures from behind, not showing their faces but their hands doing, making, writing, and creating. You Are What You Like and Re-Tweet It may not seem fair, but you are what you like, favorite, and share on social media. Sure, you may not have said it yourself, but a re-Tweet or "like" is an endorsement. Just ask any politician or public figure who has felt the heat for it. People can also see what you like or favorite. So, it's best not to re-Tweet bad language or something controversial. Be Human but Avoid Dinner Party Topics When it comes to controversial topics, think of social media like an enormous dinner party, taking place in public. Even if you have a disclaimer saying "opinions my own," people will judge you (and your colleagues, your school, your district) for every touchy, snarky, hot-button personal opinion that you express. Keep personal topics for face-to-face conversations. Of course, using the term "Bless your heart" is always correct and ever so nuanced! Bottom line: Social media is here to stay. It's a powerful tool for educators that can transform your professional practice or blow up in your face. Before you get started, consider just lurking and listening for a while. Know this: You will never regret being kind. Don't give toxic people, situations, or haters the time or energy…in life or on social media. Passion and positivity go a long way in almost all situations—and it's a super start on social media! This article was greatly inspired by Keegan Korph, @OPSMrsKorf and her excellent Edublog post: "When Students Ask to Follow or Friend: An Ethical Response Guide for Educators." (For additional online sources and material, check out the NEAToday app) @GwynethJones, a.k.a. The Daring Librarian, is a blogger, a Tweeter, an International Ed Tech keynote speaker, Google Certified Innovator, PBS Graduate Champion of Change, and the author of the award-winning Daring Librarian blog. Gwyneth also is a career-long NEA member and the teacher librarian at Murray Hill Middle School in Howard County, Md. And, of course, it goes without saying, she's ridiculously humble. Media Landmines by Gwyneth Jones Reprinted from NEAToday.org - January 23, 2017 SUMMER 2017