#ThrowbackThursday - Promote Engaging Technologies Even Though Schools Filter Them

Today's #ThrowbackThursday brings us to a post I wrote about the importance of incorporating social media and student devices into learning even if it is blocked or banned in schools. What a difference a half dozen or so years make! Today, social media is embraced by districts such as New York City and this week the long-standing ban on cell phones has been lifted. 

Back then I was running a Ning network for The Innovative Educator blog. Since then, Ning is out and The Innovative Educator Facebook group is in and boasting several thousand members.

Written: May 11, 2008

Topic: Using social media in education

Who might be interested: Educators who use or are considering using social media for learning.

Favorite excerpt: After I first wrote about Social Networking for Innovative Educators many of my colleagues like the one in this email asked why I advocated using technologies that are filtered in most schools and can be used inappropriately by students. It's comments like Maria's or the one a principal recently shared with me that make it clear. As this principal shared, “We wouldn’t remove stairs from a building just because students can fall down them. We teach them to walk, not run. Use the handrail and have signs for an up staircase and down.”

Reader question: How has social media helped you become a better teacher?

Post:

Reasons to Promote Engaging Technologies Even Though Schools Filter Them

Below are two comments from The Innovative Educator network’s newest member that eloquently demonstrates the importance of Social Networking for Educators and other tools such as these.

Comment left on My Page
Thank you, Lisa, very much for creating this site. It is so needed. We, teachers, don't always have a chance to exchange ideas with each other. I have to also add that the quality of your work is very high. Thanks again :)

From the Science Forum Discussion BoardThank you :) this is the best question an elementary science teacher could ask. I am bursting with answers and shaking. I hope I will be finally heard. Thank you.

Read the rest at: http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2008/05/importance-of-teaching-social.html