Thing 18

Social media is something that every teacher needs to be aware of.  I think most are, but there are some who still live in the dark ages.  I have had a Facebook account for at least 7 years, probably longer.  My Twitter account is almost 1 year old.  Mostly I just follow, don't do too much "Tweeting".  Feel free to follow @Jim_Akins

Initially I set up my Twitter account as an additional way to keep in touch with my students, but upon reflection, I decided that I did not want to go that route.  I try to be very careful when it comes to "friending" students on social media.  It is too easy to get in trouble.  Since then I have found other ways to keep in touch with my students, however that is a conversation for Thing 19.

As far as the use of social media is concerned, I do monitor a Facebook page for 2 school clubs.  What I find most interesting though, is that Facebook is no longer the best way to connect with students.  I think because the message feeds have become so inundated with the number of people we are friends with, and all the games that send messages and advertisements, that messages with meaning are lost in the background.