Jeff Pulver created one of the most common sense posts that I’ve read about the whole genre of social media, blogging, etc. that I think should be required reading for anyone who wants to venture into this area.
His post was “Tips for Not-for-Profits Learning about Social Media“.
His focus, as the title suggests, is in the business space but I would suggest that it applies equally or even more importantly to education. So many people are interested in being a part of the blogosphere but really need assistance in knowing how and why. I’d recommend that you read and digest the content of his post and if you can’t agree with it, you probably shouldn’t venture into this area. But, if you’ve looked at today’s world, today’s child, today’s connected society, you really know that you need to.
It requires a real shift in thinking about how you use the internet and Jeff sums it up so well in the section about “Giving”. If you’re going to venture into this area, you need to forget how you used to use the internet. Most people go out to “find stuff” and then use it for their classes or direct students to a resource to assist in their learning. But, as Jeff notes:
“Giving – success on social media is all about giving. Give 95% of the time, and you get the “right” to ask 5% of the time.”
He’s absolutely correct. if everyone just took, there would be no content and no growth. Imagine that you had a camera in your classroom all day and you took a recording of everything that happened. We’re all tired at the end of the day but a replay would show so many teachable moments, effective interactions with students, class organization, motivation, excitement, class movement, hands-on activities, seat work, collaboration, working on the internet, and the list goes on. Who do you share these successes with? Who do you turn to when you need additional motivation or resources?
There are huge groups of people with similar interests to you and social resources just waiting for your input and comment. Sharing and peer-mentoring can put it over the top. And, what does it take?
Probably a great deal less time and effort than what you would expect.
A blog is a piece of art. It lives, breathes, and allows you to expose your soul for something that you are passionate about. If you are passionate about the opportunities that you provide your students in a Grade 5 Social Studies or Grade 12 Mathematics classroom, you need to climb on top of your keyboard and scream about it. You have a voice.
Jeff gives respect to your voice as well.
“Your Voice – you have the power to effect change. Make your voice important, use your blog, Be remarkable.”
If you’re not ready to dive into the blogging aspect today, consider Twitter as your starting point. Touted as micro-blogging and like texting, you have 140 characters to talk and respond to the world. There are all kinds of educators, business folks, parents, and leaders who want to converse with you and make the world a better place. Isn’t that why we got into teaching in the first place? Once you are a Twitter user and you build your own Personal Learning Network, you will never go back to a life without the connections.
There is enormous potential for educators in the social media. It’s incredibly powerful and best of all, free. It just requires giving and the giving back is so valuable.
September 4, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Thanks for the kind words. Very much appreciated. Glad I was able to share something of interest.
September 4, 2008 at 8:41 pm
‘A blog is a piece of art. It lives, breathes, and allows you to expose your soul for something that you are passionate about.’
Well put, Doug. Wouldn’t it be great if we can encourage and educate our students about finding a voice and writing with a purpose.