Using social media in the classroom can be both beneficial and disastrous. If it is to be used, it has to be very structured and carefully observed. I think one of the most important factors that need to be considered when using social media in the classroom is the age of the students participating. The main reason age is important is because you have to be of specific age to use certain social media platforms. This makes it very tricky to use in middle school settings. I also think it would be difficult for younger kids because of maturity level. Teaching middle schoolers, mostly 6th graders, I don't think my students would be mature enough to handle using social media in class. I'm sure my students would get distracted and start chatting with each other or looking at things they aren't supposed to, depending on which social media is being used.
If it is a platform that students are familiar with, it can make it easy for them to complete and submit work in a way they already do well. At my school, we use echo, which 6th graders haven't used before, so they aren't very good at getting things done and posted in the correct format and such. But by the time they are 8th graders, they are more familiar with it and have an easier time doing things the right way.
I personally don't use the type of social media you normally think of when you think of social media, like facebook, instagram, twitter, etc. My social media usage includes echo and the google programs. Students can work on assignments and projects, share them with each other, and submit them electronically. My echo page has a forum type section where students can post questions or comments, and other students can respond. I have seen students ask questions about homework and other students help, which is about as social as my class gets. If I were teaching high school, I might be more likely to include other platforms of social media to engage students.
If it is a platform that students are familiar with, it can make it easy for them to complete and submit work in a way they already do well. At my school, we use echo, which 6th graders haven't used before, so they aren't very good at getting things done and posted in the correct format and such. But by the time they are 8th graders, they are more familiar with it and have an easier time doing things the right way.
I personally don't use the type of social media you normally think of when you think of social media, like facebook, instagram, twitter, etc. My social media usage includes echo and the google programs. Students can work on assignments and projects, share them with each other, and submit them electronically. My echo page has a forum type section where students can post questions or comments, and other students can respond. I have seen students ask questions about homework and other students help, which is about as social as my class gets. If I were teaching high school, I might be more likely to include other platforms of social media to engage students.