Lawrence states that "social media is a broad term that refers to a variety of media platforms that allow people to communicate with one another, combining a number of mechanics such as direct messaging, user profiles, photo galleries, and comment walls" (2022, p.84). There are so many aspects to creating social media posts and viewing posts. Social media has had a bad reputation for a while, but it can be more than a popularity contest. It can be educational and informative, with the power to reach a large audience. Lawrence discusses that while social media is present, we have to be sure to use it ethically and learn how to reduce the spread of misinformation (2022, p. 86). We must be careful not to believe everything we see on social media and teach our students to view media with a critical eye. Many teachers use social media in their classrooms by showing students YouTube videos or creating class social media accounts. These can be great talking points to have conversations with students about what is factual and appropriate for the Internet. If you are interested in educating your students about the use of social media, check out this website for lesson ideas!
References
Lawrence, D. (2022). Digital writing: A guide to writing for social media and the Web. [eBook edition] Ontario, Canada: Broadview Press
Social Media. (n.d.). https://schools.au.reachout.com/social-media
When we created our initial introductions, I also struggled to initially identify how I used social media professionally, since I do not operate any Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok pages that operate around educational content. I realized quickly that I am constantly using social media to improve my professional practices. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, X, and TikTok are all wonderful places to gain inspiration for the classroom and to connect with likeminded educators. Lawrence (2022) writes, "We must also recognize how quickly populations of users can shift from one platfrom to another: the rise and fall of Myspace is a telling example" (p 47-48). With this information, it makes me wonder what platform will be the next popular place for educators to connect? Çalışkan (2025) shares, "The integration of social media in educational contexts has gained increasing attention in recent years, particularly regarding its potential to enhance family engagement." As long as we use social media appropriately as educators, families can benefit through communicating and receiving information via social media.
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Çalışkan, E. F. (2025). The utilization of social media for educational purposes by primary school teachers and parental involvement: Perceptions and experiences. European Education, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/10564934.2025.2529007
Lawrence, D. (2022). Digital writing: A guide to writing for social media and the web. Broadview Press.
I have started to realize through this class that social media is more than showing what is going on in your classroom. It can be creating videos or engaging images that can be used in your lessons. There are many opportunities to include technology in your classroom for students, but there is also opportunities to use technology for yourself in a professional manner. This could just be through seeking advice from other teachers on social media. Lawrence states that "people spending time on the internet are socializing, doing work, uploading content, and connecting" (Lawrence, 2022 p. 79). It really does not fully matter which way you use social media as long as you are connecting with other people throughout your posts. This could be through videos or through trying to reach out for some advice for a topic in your classroom. The opportunities are pretty endless for the use of social media.
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Lawrence, D. (2022). Digital writing: A guide to writing for social media and the web. Broadview Press.
I find so much similarity with your feelings towards social media before this class. I also found using social media professionally doesn’t always mean creating content. Like you, I often find myself learning from what other teachers share online, whether it’s ideas for anchor charts, classroom management tips, or lesson inspiration. Even just being a viewer is part of participating in a larger, collaborative learning environment.
ReplyDeleteAs you pointed out and Lawrence (2022) explains, social media is a broad term and there are so many other ways to facilitate a classroom environment using social media as a tool. That means there are so many ways to engage professionally, even if we’re not the ones posting all the time. Viewing, saving, and sharing useful posts can help us grow just as much.
It’s also important, as you mentioned, to use social media ethically. We need to model digital responsibility for our students and teach them to think critically about what they see. According to Common Sense Education, teaching media literacy helps students recognize credible sources, understand bias, and make thoughtful decisions about the media they consume and create (Common Sense Education, 2021). Social media can be a powerful teaching tool—if we use it wisely.
Thanks for reminding us that social media isn’t just about content creation—it’s about connection, inspiration, and critical thinking.
References
Lawrence, D. (2022). Digital Writing: A Guide to Writing for Social Media and the Web. Broadview Press.
Common Sense Education. (2021). What is media literacy and why is it important? https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/what-is-media-literacy-and-why-is-it-important