Professionalising the use of social media: Setting the boundaries and seeing the opportunities MATT BRITLAND

Matt Britland

Director of ICT at The Lady Eleanor Holles School

Director of Realise Learning

Twitter: @mattbritland

What is Social Media?

“Websites and other online means of communication that are used by large groups of people to share information and to develop social and professional contacts” From www.dictionary.com

Why I haven’t used social media?

•  It’s a bit scary

•  Scare stories

•  Not really sure what it is or how I can use it

•  Anxiety

•  Lack of time

“Adapt, learn, experiment, engage and enjoy”

Twitter

•  Write messages of 140 characters or less and include links and photos

•  We have used a whole school account to tweet

information to parents and other interested parties about what the school has been doing or about upcoming events

•  Department accounts for tweeting subject

information, links, resources and student work etc •  Teachers and other professionals using it to learn,

collaborate, network and for discussions

•  Rotating tweeters

•  Opportunities to link with other professionals

Facebook

•  An open Facebook page for communicating information, news, photos and videos

•  Closed groups for collaboration, communication

and discussion.

•  Groups for discussion and collaboration with students and teachers o  Students and teachers were not ‘friends’ but

communication through a closed group

•  Embracing current technology that is being used by adults and young people

•  Opportunities to link with other professionals

Guidance

•  Decide which service you will use •  How will you use it? •  Who will use it?

•  Who will oversee its use? •  Create an acceptable use policy/rules •  Be aware of the mistakes others have made •  Use professional accounts for Twitter/Facebook •  If you are unsure of how to use social media, talk to an expert

Common Themes

•  Safeguarding

•  Rules we must follow

•  Things that should not be shared

•  Boundaries to maintain

•  Complex situations

•  Lots of information to be communicated

•  Collaboration and personal/career development