Some advantages of using Facebook in the library is that you can instantly update parents and students about what is going on in the library. Many parents use Facebook and it is a good communication tool to announce special events like book fairs. I also noticed that schools use Facebook to showcase what the students are doing in the library. I saw student made videos, artwork, and makerspace projects that the students created and shared. Some of the schools use Facebook to share services that they are offering such as Sora and curbside pick up for online learners. I noticed that many parents commented on the student projects and contest awards. These comments lead to further engagement and keeps the parents checking the site which helps to communicate other needs with the parents. This would come in handy when books are due or volunteers are needed.
One disadvantage is that many of the students no longer use Facebook. As my own middle schooler told me “Facebook is for old people”. So if you want to use a social media platform to reach students I would not use Facebook, however if you want to reach their parents it is a good choice.
After viewing some of the Tweets from the educational technology leaders I discovered that they share a good amount of information for teachers and librarians. Many of these people share ideas for technology use such as new apps or programs. For instance Kathy Schrock @kathyschrock tweeted:
Take a look at these great daily learning activity calendars of K-8 content-related activities offered by @DiscoveryEd. (Free for all K-8 teachers in the US.) Sign up here: https://t.co/gKFBXwIsRN
— Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) October 14, 2021
I found this particular Tweet very interesting because I use Discovery Education all the time at school and this could be useful to me. They also share links to resources that can be used in the classroom or the library. For example, Gwyneth Jones @GwynethJones tweeted:
Hispanic Heritage Month YouTube Videos - appropriate for Middle or High Schoolshttps://t.co/l26hnNyzbY#FutureReadyLibs #TLChat #EdChat #HispanicHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/ahEjZAgj9Q
— Gwyneth Jones (@GwynethJones) September 30, 2021
They also post about upcoming events they are going to or involved in that may be of interest to teachers and librarians. Overall I feel like Twitter is a great way to find new tips and tricks in real time. The information is current and useful to educators. It is also a great way to connect and share ideas. I think that Twitter is a great way to show parents and students what is going on in the library. This is an easy way to promote things like book fairs, book clubs, and author visits to the community. Many students have Twitter accounts so it is a great way to reach students specifically.
Instagram is another great way for librarians and teachers to share what is happening in their classrooms and libraries. Many Librarians share videos on how to do things around the library, display ideas, and lesson ideas. Often times links are included for freebie lesson plans or display ideas. It is nice to be able to watch a video of something being done instead of just looking at a still picture. I also follow several librarians that give good book reviews and professional development ideas on their Instagram accounts. Also, Instagram is popular with the students so you know that you will be reaching students easily. This is another great platform to promote events in the library or resources that are available to the students.
The only con that I can think of is that many parents may not be on Instagram. However, I think that is true with all social media. Some people may be only on one platform or none at all. Librarians should make a goal to be on at least two platforms, one to reach as many students as possible and one to reach the parents.
References
Hudson, H. (2016, August 7). 10 Surprising Ways to Use Instagram in the Classroom - We Are Teachers. WeAreTeachers. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://www.weareteachers.com/10-surprising-ways-to-use-instagram-in-the-classroom-2
The Social Institute. (2022, January 14). 10 Things Students Wish You Knew About Social Media. The Social Institute. Retrieved February 13, 2022, from https://thesocialinstitute.com/blog/10-things-students-wish-you-knew-about-social-media/
Your review is well done and to the point. Likewise, like you said, a librarian should be open to other applications because not everyone uses the same app. However, TikTok is becoming the number one app for posting content and I think it would be a great idea for librarians to look into this app.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think updating parents and students in an instant is my favorite thing about Facebook. I realize the other applications due this, but compared to Twitter and Instagram I feel limited to what you can post and design.
ReplyDeleteWe have a school facebook page and it is updated with information for the parents but it has to be done off campus and not on the school's wifi. It is a great tool to use to post updates though!
ReplyDeleteThe information you have provided is all pretty true and I definitely see the value in social media. I have always tried to stay up-to-date with it, but it's changing so fast I wonder if I can keep up with such fast evolution LOL...I'm barely mastering one and boom, the next phenomenon is out! TikTok is definitely where librarians need to be now!
ReplyDeleteInstagram is probably my favorite if the social media sites because you get a visuals and that is what will grab the attention of the community. Great way for schools to communicate with it's community and great way to show the value of having a librarian and a library.
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