Power of Social Media and Primary Education

Most social media sites have age restrictions to their use. Usually, this is at 13 years old. Below this age, kids are not supposed to get online to share their social life as it poses some security issues. Not that the oldest kids are not prone to them as well but younger kids are considered more vulnerable.

Let´s note that, however, kids are leaving a digital footprint (or “digital tattoo”) at very early age. Not necessarily that they are getting into social media but today, for instance, I saw a picture of a 12-year old on Facebook posted by her father as a celebration of the little girl´s birthday. In fact, kids are leaving a mark even before they are born! Remember when your friends posted their baby´s sonogram for all to see?

We must all agree that there is tremendous value in social media when it comes to learning. In fact, teachers all over the place are using social media in their education process as they recognize their value and contribution to developing a global mind in kids. There are practically no boundaries when it comes to getting in touch with students from other country on the other side of the planet.

Students are able to interact in real time with other kids that share their same interests and passions. Social media can contribute like this to the learning process of a kid. Students in primary school are always passionate about bringing down the walls of the classroom and social media, used wisely, can be of great help.

Now, you are probably reluctant and not convinced about this. Keeping an open mind, you must consider though that, we like it or not, once these kids reach the age, they will be reaching out to make their Facebook and Twitter profile. How about we teach them responsible use before this happens? How about we model the power of social media for learning?   As an educator in elementary education, you should probably take a bit more responsibility in this matter as this is what will become part of your students´ life.

Of course, kids in elementary grades will not be taken into creating social media accounts. However, you could create a joint account or a blog, administered by you, and make that become the class´s outreach to the world. Students could start blogging as early as they learn how to write. I know of kindergarten teachers who tweet with their students. Not that the kids type in the tweets, of course, but they interact with other kindergartners guided by their respective teachers.

The idea is to teach elementary kids how to leave a positive digital footprint behind them. That they may be educated beforehand about safety and proper use of social media. Here´s to a better and more meaningful education.

ALL THE BEST!!

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