As I reflect on the last couple of years I have been participating in education conversations through social media, it does seem that there has been a significant increase in the online presence and social media participation of schools and school boards/districts and education organizations. There seems to be the interest in being IN the conversations, as well as to use social media to learn, communicate and promote good work. The potential and opportunity for 2-way parent communication and community engagement continues to grow as well. If some districts are not yet doing so, there are many resources and blogs to help learn how (and why it is a good idea). I wonder how close it is to a point where talking about social media outreach and communication is no longer necessary and it is becoming just a part of what schools and districts are doing. I wonder if it is getting similar to the statement made in this post about social media becoming boring and just another tool….but that it is a good thing.
As classroom teachers, school administrators, and school boards increase their online presence and communicate with parents through social media, I think there are a couple of considerations that will continue to be important to think about and reassess regularly. In addition to surveying parents themselves if communication strategies to reach them are being effective, I think it may also be good to reflect on questions like this:
- As the invitation goes out to parents to connect, engage, receive information through blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc., is the message also conveying, “You are still welcome to visit or chat in person at the school”?
- Does online presence and social media sharing of positive stories still include the message that it is okay for a parent to bring forward a concern about their child?
- Do social media communication strategies still allow for the voices of dissent to be heard in the appropriate place and time?
This post about practices for “resilient communication” also made me think. How does social media use serve to support “resilient” communication that can be needed in education?
Exciting times in commmunication, but always new things to consider.
Philip Cummings
Feb 22, 2013 @ 06:24:00
As a classroom teacher, who is very active online, I think social media is still just a supplement to the face-to-face and email communication I have with parents. I let them know about my online sharing, but I do not assume they are in those spaces. It’s still crucial to look someone in the eye, to shake their hand, to hear the love for their child in their voice, and to connect on an individual level. I want to hear from my students’ parents–good or bad, and as much as I love the digital world–the best way to do that is still face-to-face.
SStewart
Feb 22, 2013 @ 12:09:32
Thank you, Philip, for sharing your perspective as both a classroom teacher and an active participant in online spaces. Your dedication as a teacher and to relationships with students and their families comes through to me from what you share online. I appreciate your reassurance!
SStewart
Feb 24, 2013 @ 14:47:01
Doug Peterson kindly featured this post of mine in his “This Week in Ontario Edublogs” series. His comments to my 3 questions were really insightful, so I am just adding his post here as well:
Thanks again, Doug!
dougpete
Feb 24, 2013 @ 15:17:55
No problem, Sheila. I really liked your post positioned next to Rob’s. Don’t you love it when a plan comes together. You do ask some good questions that everyone needs to keep in mind. I think that the experienced communicator really needs to determine where and how to move the conversation to a different forum. No idea why there wasn’t a pingback.
robert
Feb 24, 2013 @ 19:02:45
Social media communication should never replace the face to face that is necessary. Use it to supplement that which is needed to enhance the two-way communication. The information & resources that can be shared though social media outweigh any concerns. IMO. The school/classroom planner and notes cannot compare. If you want to see open use of social media follow
@Ont_Ombudsman , love his Q & A.
SStewart
Feb 24, 2013 @ 21:46:34
Thanks Robert! Good perspective and lens on this. Thanks for the suggestion…. I followed… not sure why I wasn’t yet.
Communicating With Parents: Posts and Resources | SheilaSpeaking
Aug 22, 2014 @ 11:52:59