Text messages, e-mails, Twitter, and Facebook – students these days are increasingly wired and connected, creating vast networks of friends both online and offline. There are few signs of slowing down for the tech-savvy, and with the continual launch of the "next big thing," such as cell phones with Internet capabilities to marry texting and Twitter into one unit, today’s youth will only grow more wired as the years pass. So when such tools are being used every day as a means of communication and information sharing, why are educators blocking it rather than embracing it as a new educational tool and worthy topic to teach?
The simple fact is that there are inescapable ugly sides to social media, such as cyberbullying and shady interactions between individuals. Educators fear those negatives, so the easiest way to prevent inevitable social media-related disasters is to block social media from the classrooms altogether. Many educators have already done just that. Numerous schools across the country have prohibited instructors from communicating with their students through Twitter or Facebook, and even banned the use of YouTube in class. This is done out of the fear that inappropriate material will arise or inappropriate contact between faculty and students may emerge from such communication avenues. These and other negative issues prevent schools and teachers from embracing social media in the classroom. But it should be noted that such issues may come up regardless of the school’s permission, and advocates of social media argue that such missteps would be better brought to light under the watchful eye of the school and public rather than having those missteps occur outside of public knowledge.
Some institutions have recognized the power and possibility that social media possesses. It can open up a new avenue for learning and encourage students to interact with lesson plans and instructors to get the most out of class. Also, and arguably most importantly, opening up social media outlets in class allows for instructors to teach their students about Internet safety in social situations. Schools are already teaching students about health, drug use, and sex in order to prepare them for the sometimes harsh realities of life outside of the classroom. With the advance of social media, as well as social media scandals such as cyberbullying cases and sex offenders using social media to ensnare young victims, it makes sense that schools should also be teaching students how to safely and courteously use social media outside of the classroom.
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