“Social Media Find Place in Classroom”

“Social Media Find Place in Classroom”, by Greg Toppo, is an article addresses the issue of using social media within the classroom. Although both sides have a valid argument, I find myself right in the middle of the controversy. On the one hand, I don’t find it appropriate for teachers, faculty, and even the principal to be friends with their students on any social media page, especially in middle school and high school; once the students are in college, that’s a different story. But, I think there needs to be that boundary between the students’ lives and the teachers’ lives. Especially so because much can be misconstrued between posts and pictures in which either party could find inappropriate. On the other hand, I think that these teachers and faculty are really onto something in regards to educating their students. In the article, I learned that some teachers want to teach their students the rules and regulations of the Internet in order for them to be safer and more educated on the matter. Also, by educating the students, they will not only be more aware of what they are putting out there, but they will also develop different techniques to promote themselves for the future, whether that is for external or internal reasons. Overall, I think there needs to be a middle ground because it will allow for the students to be more engaged within the classroom as well as keeping the appropriate relationships among teachers and students. 

Technology priority "Great Tech Expectations"

    Technology is being taught in most schools in this era, and rightfully so. But what do future citizens and students really need to know...
        Students need to know how to log into accounts. Students need to know how to type at a decent level. They will need it for future education since it is such standard in society. Lastly how to browse/do research on the internet well, using and citing good sources.
     In schools basic knowledge of writing, and being able to get to Word Microsoft, powerpoint, are necessary. In college the thing we do most often is write papers, a lot of the other work is a variation of that,  powerpoint is actually a good example. On that same notes this blog...

There are some things that I experienced in college that i believe would be extremely beneficial for younger students to learn in a technology class like:
1.Complete graphic organizers using software like Kidspiration
2.Create basic presentations using tools like PowerPoint
3.Cite sources
4.Know how to configure privacy settings
5.Collaborate with peers on digital projects
        The first because, really who couldn't use a little more organization. The second ,power point, is second to word microsoft Word in most education setting in programs most used. Cite sources ,like power point, is somethings that is consistent in an education and moral in civilization. Knowing privacy setting would be a great thing to teach since we live in an age of social media networks and cyber bullying, having privacy could save a persons life. Collaborate with peers on digital projects, I think this is  great democratic lesson, but mostly because it draws from multiple students working on a common goal, it develops community and interpersonal skills something we don't see enough in schools.