When the average person thinks about social media, they typically think of Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. While these are some of the most popular social media sites available, there are actually numerous social media sites designed for specific industries.
Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are popular because they are designed for everybody. There is no age, race or job requirement to sign up, and most people use it to engage with others or keep up to date with their favorite sports or celebrities.
Though these sites can be used by anyone, there are social media sites designed for specific professions. One of the most popular social media genres is for educators.
Principals, teachers and counselors can all benefit from one another, and social media is a great way to learn from others in the same profession but in different parts of the world. From sharing lesson plans to learning a new way to engage students, there are plenty of benefits to using the following social media sites for educators.
EDU 2.0
This social media site allows teachers to upload and share their tests, experiments, lesson plans and other information with other educators. The uploaded information is stored in a virtual library where other educators can access and use the information. There is also an online grade book feature where teachers can keep track of grades in real time, relieving them of the stress of figuring out grades at every quarter. There is also a blog and a section where educators can chat live with other educators.
EDU 2.0 isn’t solely for educators; it’s also a great social media site for their students, too. There is a community section on the site that allows teachers to connect with their students. Teachers can post past assignments for students who may have been absent, and students can reach out to their teachers if they have questions or need extra help.
Edublogs
This social media site is a collaboration of blog posts from both teachers and students. Since the content posted can only be education-based, most schools don’t ban it from their Internet access.
Anything from school newsletters to student journal entries are used as content on this site. Students can learn about projects that others students in other schools did, and teachers can use it as an educational tool for their students.
TeacherTube and SchoolTube
These sites are exactly like they sound. TeacherTube is exactly like YouTube, but the videos are meant for teachers. These videos can be shown to teachers to teach them how to perform a task or certain lesson plan, or they can be used as an educational tool to show a class. TeacherTube also asks its members to leave comments or feedback on the videos for others who may be interested in watching them.
SchoolTube is another video sharing site for educators and students, but the content on this site is more closely monitored, so most schools won’t limit its access on their networks. Students can use it to watch videos of other students and learn from them, or they can create their own videos to share information with others. Teachers can share their lessons or projects with other students or teachers, and the videos are a great way to keep their students engaged in the classroom.
If you’re an educator, these social media sites are a great resource for both you and your students. Be sure to check them out and use them to your advantage. You may just find a great new lesson plan or tool.