1. Social media can be a distraction in class
Recently, our school went BYOD (Bring Your Own Device, clever, right?). The expectation is now that students will take notes on their devices, will access materials for the class through the sanctioned website, and will read textbooks online. The problem with this (as any graduate student will attest to) is that distraction is a mouse-click away. Don't I need to check my email? What the score of the O's game? Have an iPad? Let's message each other. The distractions are vast and endless. But, is the way of the future?
2. Improper use of social media in the classroom
See above. Not only are students distracted, but they are dabbling on the fringes of inappropriate....or are just, plain inappropriate (I'm looking at you High School Junior Boy).
3. Using social media in the classroom can detract from human interaction
One of the novels that I teach to my Honors Major British Writers class is Huxley's Brave New World: a futuristic, dystopian world where everyone is manufactured and society has lost touch with genuine human interaction. Sometimes I feel as though we are closer to that reality than we realize.
4. Cyber bullying on social media websites
Angry with a friend or colleague? Don't have the maturity to discuss conflict face to face? Send a raging email. Post a scathing message. Public humiliation that can never be redacted.
5. Posting inappropriate content on social media websites
This combines many of the previous issues. If student social media use cannot be regulated, it is possible (if not probable) that the boundaries of appropriate behavior are crossed. Often this leads to bullying or dissemination of materials that could result in disciplinary action.
So, is the juice worth the squeeze? Is there a way to navigate these disadvantages? Post your thoughts below!
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