Facebook Pages and Twitter

Facebook Page:

I understand that networking is a crucial part towards reaching any goal. Interacting with others and sharing ideas, creates a better outcome. Teachers, administrators, librarians, and the community working alongside each other can help students reach a higher level of success. I decided to create a social media page to keep in contact and network with others. I used this assignment as an opportunity to create a Facebook page for most people have an account as well as organizations that promote literacy. I find that it is an easy way to keep in contact.  This page allows me to follow and message organizations that host events for children such as the Laredo Public Library. People who like the page can as well be used to post information that could be valuable for the community. I am not very outgoing, but this page facilitates interacting with various people in a more friendly and relaxed setting. This page could benefit parents and teachers to find resources that can help their children become more engaged in reading. I as well included a draft of how I plan to reach out to people within my district those that I will keep in contract through being an advocate for literacy.

New Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bookwizardz/ 

Reflections:

As an educator I believe that there are other sources to use other than Facebook. Though, as a librarian I find it as a good source to consider. I think that as an educator you would have to require for all students to have a Facebook to use it during class which would cause issues with parents. However, as a librarian one could use it to communicate the resources that library offers. It can be used to send announcements to students, teacher, parents, and administration on events hosted by the library. It is a way to communicate with other professionals to share ideas. It is a method to bring people together. Furthermore, it is a good source to coordinate with people in the community to work together for the betterment of the students.

Advantages

I am a firm believer in the integration of technology in the classroom can have great benefits. However, social media websites are a territory many avoid. Yet, after some research I can see the many of the benefits. For instance, it is an innovative strategy to promote student engagement in group discussions. It allows students that may not be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd to voice their opinions. This can lead to more insightful conversations that promote more student interaction. Social media websites, like Facebook, aid in the sharing of ideas to promote higher thinking. It allows for users come together for good causes. For educators it can be a form of delivering lessons for students that might not be in the classroom. It is an avenue to reach those that cannot be physically in a location. There are many ways that educators can use social websites like Facebook such as for communication, engagement, or lesson delivery.

Disadvantages

The repercussion for not using social media websites is great. In result, many avoid the use of them and seek other alternatives. Privacy concerns are great for personal information may be disclosed to strangers. In addition, students must be at least 13 years of age to create a Facebook account. The use of social website can also stir up problems that do not like their sons or daughters accessing these websites. Many parents oppose the use of Facebook since it is a new medium for bullying. Cyber bulling is very common nowadays and has caused psychological impacts on students. If user activity is not monitored properly by parent or teacher other students can take advantage of the resource. Social websites like Facebook are very beneficial when used with a purpose. However, adults must keep a close watch on how it is administered and how students are using the source. For it exposes them to dangers like child predators.

Twitter:

When I started school again I canceled my social media websites since I thought it would be a good way to stay focused on my assignments. Though, through taking several courses they have come in handy. When I think of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter I think of just social topics, news, videos, and to keep in contact with close friends. I never thought that these websites would be a good source to find reading material and news that could affect the future of libraries. I used to love Twitter though recently my account was starting to collect spider webs. 

When I reactivated my account I was excited to see what I would learn. After I followed members of the library science department and other individuals listed I immediately could see their tweets on my feed. It was very convenient to follow them for it was like if someone was already doing the research for me. In the news feed I could find things such as new authors and book recommendations.

After this assignment I have a new appreciation for twitter. I never thought that this social media page would be so useful in this area. It’s a source that is so convenient for it can be easily accessed. It was also a good source of communication and sharing ideas. Considering this generations dependency on technology and fast paced life social media makes it easier to share and access information. Comparing Twitter to other social media websites I can see why many librarians would prefer it over the others.

People to Follow:

Kathy Schrock: 

A woman to follow for her extensive experience. This lady has done it all from school district director of technology, instructional technology specialist, a librarian at many grade levels, and a professor at two universities. When becoming a follower one can access Schrock's blog and monthly post on Discovery Education. Her tweets include tools for education, seminars, and Technology news. 

Linda Braun:

This lady has many degrees under her belt including a Masters in Library Science and another in Education. Titles she has taken upon are professor, author, and past president for YALSA. Braun has won awards for her including WISE Online Teaching Award and YALSA Writing Award. Her Twitter account includes retweets from YALSA on latest librarian news and Connected Learning. The last page mentioned is a network of individuals promoting opportunities to access for all learners. 

David Warlick: 

Major expertise is what makes David Warlick a great pick to follow on Twitter. He has been an educator, author, programmer, and public speaker. Warlick has been a supporter of technology in the classroom for many years. In his Twitter feed one can see his support for education, new software, and entries of his blog. He also puts a lot of his personal journeys such as seminars he has attended and past experiences. 

The Daring Librarian:

If you are looking for someone fun to follow in the library field this is it. This lady is a librarian, blogger, speaker, and seen as a leader of education technology. Her writing have appeared in NY Times and her blog has gotten raved reviews. In her Twitter feed one would see posts that could assist librarians along with advice. There are also motivational posts and memes that will lighten the mood for some topics. 

Jim Lerman: 

This man has many titles he lists such as teacher, net worker, consultant, leader, author, and speaker. Lerman has dedicated his work to assist low income students leading professional developments and school improvement programs. His tweets include promoting technology, educational podcasts, and personal progress.