Guidelines for Revising Student and Teacher Social Media Policies

While some districts currently have social media policies, many of those policies were developed before there was any research about student use of social media for learning, and before the Common Core State Standards were released. The Speak Up 2012 National Findings note:

Within the wide assortment of emerging technologies that are enabling students to become digital learners, four stand out as having the largest impact so far on students’ self-efficacy as self-directed, independent learners. Mobile devices have transformed information gathering from a planned, discrete task to an anytime, anywhere endeavor. The availability of mobile devices in the hands of students has changed the logistics around Internet access and digital divide discussions as well. Social media has provided a contextual motivation and rationale for the ubiquitous access to the Internet. And online learning, both in school and at home, has provided a tangible representation to students and adults alike about a new way to approach learning (Project Tomorrow, 2013).

In order to ensure that your social media policy reflects current usage, trends and needs, consider the following steps as you update (or create) your policy.

1. Gather stakeholders

• Think about the people who have a stake in helping to craft that vision. It starts with the teachers, as they are the ones who have to implement whatever the vision is. They are the front lines, so they have to have buy-in. Other stakeholders depend on your district structure and culture, but certainly include both site and district staff, curriculum, assessment and technology staff. But parents and students deserve a voice in this vision as well. How might you include them? 
• Survey your stakeholders to see what their perspectives are on these questions. Different stakeholder groups may see things very differently from each other. 

• Are we using technology to ensure that students are mastering rigorous curriculum skills? 

• Are we using technology to extend our ability to reach and support every student? 

• How should social media be used - one-way, two-way, use by students? (Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost, 2012)

2. Identify a Vision or Statement of Purpose for the Social Media Policy

• How might students optimally use social media for learning? 
• How might educators optimally use social media for instruction? 
• What role might social media play in professional learning and collaboration? 
• Sample language: 

• We believe that all students should have access to technology when they act in a responsible, efficient, courteous and legal manner. Responsible uses of technology are devoted to activities that support teaching and learning. (Montgomery School, 2011) 

• Internet access and other technologies available to students and teachers offer a multitude of global resources. Our goal is to use these services to enhance the educational development of our students. As part of 21st century learning, teachers and students will be using web-based tools such as blogs and microblogs, wikis, podcasts, and videocasts with appropriate supervision. These technologies improve student communication and collaboration skills, provide a real audience, and extend learning beyond the classroom walls while building digital citizenship skills. (Montgomery School, 2011) 

• School social media guidelines encourage employees and students to participate in social computing and strive to create an atmosphere of trust and individual accountability, keeping in mind that information produced by this school, our faculty, staff, students and their parents is a reflection on the entire School community. (Saugus USD, 2011) 

Explore policies that are consistent with your Vision or Statement of Purpose 

• Research state/federal law and discuss local norms to ensure legal compliance of policies. 
• Identify logical and appropriate consequences for violations; research how others have implemented such consequences 

Communicate expectations 

• Develop a plan to educate students, staff and administrators regarding appropriate online and social media conduct. 
• Ensure that students receive instruction annually in both the Social Media Policy and on social media use. 
• Provide explanations of specific appropriate behavior as well as consequences for inappropriate behavior in age-appropriate language. 

 

Plan for monitoring and revision 

• How will we know we are implementing our policy effectively? 
• How will we know if our policy meets student and teacher needs? 
• How will we revise our policy when it becomes necessary? 

References 

Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost (2012). Social media guiding questions. Retrieved from http://www.onthelineca.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/TIP-SHEET-Social-Media-Guiding-Questions.pdf

Montgomery School. (2011). Responsible use of technology agreement: Grades 6-8. Retrieved from http://www.montgomeryschool.org/program/lower-school/ls-curriculum/technologylibrary/responsible-use-policy/index.aspx

Project Tomorrow (2013). From chalkboards to tablets: The emergence of the K-12 digital learner. Retrieved from http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/pdfs/SU12-Students.pdf

Saugus Unified School District (2011). School social media policy. Retrieved from http://community.saugususd.org/jklein/files/-1/2122/School%20Social%20Media%20Policy%20draft.pdf