Presented at the Fall 2010 WAFCS conference in Yakima, WA.

1. Social Media in Education
Bridging the Technology Gap
Corinne Thomas, CFCS
Educational Technology Specialist
VP of Communications – California Affiliate of the AAFCS

2. “Most young people can’t remember a
time without the Internet. But right
now, many students’ learning
experiences in school don’t match
the reality outside of school.
We need to bridge this gap.”
- Arne Duncan
US Secretary of Education

3. Joosten & Ritter, 2010

4. Is social media affecting our
lives?

5. Social Media
73% 72%
40%
Social Networking Sites
Teens (12-17) Young Adults (18-29) Adults (30+)
Pew Internet & American Life Project

6. Social Media
28%
14%
28%
15%
7%
11%
2006 2009
Blogging
Teens (12-17) Young Adults (18-29) Adults (30+)
Pew Internet & American Life Project

7. Social Media
wikipedia.org

8. What Technology Is NOT
• Technology is not a Cure
• Technology is not the End-all
• Technology is not a Savior

9. Technology IS…
…a TOOL

10. BLOGGING
Giving people the power of the media

11. Sincere
Conversational
Expert

16. WIKIS
Coordinating and organizing group input

17. What Are Wikis?
• Websites that can be modified or
contributed to by users

21. SOCIAL NETWORKING
Connectivism across boundaries

22. Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites are web-based
services that allow individuals to:
• Construct a public or semi-public profile
within a bounded system
• Articulate a list of other users with whom
they share a connection
• View and traverse their list of connections
and those made by others within the
system
Boyd & Ellison, 2007

23. Profile
Other users
Connections
Social Networking

24. 44%
29%
18%
9%
Social Sharing on the Web
Facebook
Twitter
Yahoo
MySpace
TechCrunch - February 2010

25. 9%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Activity
Popular Social Networking Activities
Posting Messages
Downloading Music
Downloading Videos
Uploading Music
Updating personal
websites/profiles
Posting Photos
Blogging

26. #1 Rule for Social Networking
Don’t post anything
you wouldn’t want
to be seen by
Everyone in the
world

27. Social Networking Basics
Pick a
site
Create a profile
Network!

37. Tips for Using Social Media
• Keep it simple
• Keep it open
• Keep it real
• Use it often
• Know your goals
• Find the right tool

38. Issues in Social Media
• Policies
• FERPA
• Privacy
• Bullying

39. ETIQUETTE
CONSIDERATIONS

40. Do not say anything online
that you would not say
in real life

41. My boss is such a moron
I hate you!
My kids are home alone tonight.
Hope they’ll be okay. Haha!
My 2nd section is so much better than my 3rd
Currently looking for new employment.
Don’t tell my boss!
Dr. Smith looked rather stunning today.
VOTE FOR THIS
CANDIDATE!!! NOW!!!
PLS??!?!?!

42. Ask permission

43. Add Value

44. Avoid fights/bashing

45. Listen to others
Maybe even ask for clarification

46. Respect the community

47. Respect the individuals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

48. APPLICATIONS TO FCS
We can…and should…make a difference

49. • Connect professionals
• Share knowledge, research, and
experience
• Create more integrated solutions
Improve the lives of individuals,
families, and communities

50. • PEOPLE will always be more
important than technology
• Teach students to learn for LIFE,
regardless of the technology
available

51. For more information:
cgthomas.com/resources
For copies of this presentation:
cgthomas.com/publications