Falling Behind

I am sad to say that I am falling more and more behind with social media.  And, it is because I am choosing to do so.  However, I have a reason. 

I see social media as intrusive, out of my control, and odd.  I find it intrusive because the different medias (I mainly feel this way about Facebook) ask and store so much of your personal information.  Yes, I know that you control what goes on and what doesn't, and I know that you can control privacy... but they now remember everything that you "like"?  And they market to you through ads on the side of your screen... things that you just happen to be into?  I also feel like.. if I want someone to know that I went to Georgetown Friday night, or that I was in the Bahamas, I would tell them.  But to have people that I haven't seen since 2002 know things about me.. I find it weird.  With all of that, it is also out of my control.  I can't control what the creators do, or what the engineers change.  Last, it is odd.  People sit for hours on social media "stalking" people.  They look at their pictures, read their posts, and read their friend's sister's friend's brother's post.  (That was a moutful).

But my students love it.  And this is where I find myself falling farther behind.  Where Facebook is something of our generation, my students talk about things such as Instagram, SnapChat, and Pinterest (which I admit I do have a pinterest).  I have had to have my students explain to me what they are. 

Seeing how much they like social media, I can see how and why it would be a good idea to integrate it into learning (if possible).  Such as Edmodo - a great mash up of facebook and blackboard.  Perfect for school.  The students have their social media craving fulfilled with school based assignments.  They can easily access and turn in assignments, as well as ask other people questions.  It is engaging, it is fun, and it is the right thing to do.  Integrate social media into the students learning, in a meaningful way.