Many educators and parents are quick to dismiss the idea of Facebook being used in an educational setting. The social network conjures scaremongering tales of cyber bullying, inappropriate messages and procrastination in the classroom.
However, while Facebook may indeed shoulder an unfair reputation at the best of times, the social network's advantages and benefits should not be overlooked. Few, if any, social networks can boast an audience that includes parents and children alike, and Facebook's messaging platform is unrivaled in its reach and ease of use.
It is interesting to note that the majority of UK students are now using Facebook, and almost certainly a large percentage of teachers too. In fact, teachers can even use their Facebook account to help them within their teaching career, whether they're looking for primary teaching jobs through the social network or finding out more about a particular topic of the moment in order to engage better with students in the classroom.
Despite this, the platform hasn't really been embraced by schools. There is no doubt a potential for schools to use Facebook as a platform for communication and marketing, but important factors need to be considered.
Marketing Potential
Facebook has proven itself to be an excellent platform for marketing, and there is no reason that schools shouldn't use the social network for the same purposes businesses do. Schools need to promote themselves and advertise their achievements, but most state institutions simply don't have the budget and resources for a marketing strategy.Instead of settling for open days and advertisements in local newspapers, a school Facebook page can be an excellent opportunity for self-promotion. Creating a school Facebook page not only shows an aptitude for embracing new technology and 21st century thinking, but it also has the potential to reach a huge audience at little to no cost.
Many school websites are static, inactive pages which are seldom visited outside of pupils and parents. A Facebook page can network with other local and national schools and educational bodies, and it can really bolster a school's reputation.
The Issue of e-Safety
Schools using Facebook for communication and networking purposes may find it difficult to control how students subsequently use the social website. While it can be argued that instigators of cyber bullying can simply harass their victims when they get home from school, instances of this type of behavior could rise if the use of Facebook for school purposes is tolerated.Even if the website isn't allowed to be used in the classroom or during lessons, critics may argue that schools which openly and regularly use the social network will find it difficult to maintain an online authoritative presence towards students.
Similarly, teachers may also struggle to maintain their professional position if they are communicating with students online. Even if school policy strictly dictates that all communication via Facebook must be in an educational context, the boundaries between students and pupils may be stretched.
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Time and Resources
It takes time and effort to create and regularly update a Facebook page. However, in comparison to a website, a school Facebook page can be much easier to maintain and more accessible to staff. Many school websites are underdeveloped and only sporadically updated because most staff simply don't have the training or expertise to develop and maintain a website with HTML or CMS software.A school Facebook page is a much simpler solution and updates can be quickly published and administrator privileges easily configured. However, it would take time to develop an appropriate social network policy and teachers and staff would need to be involved.
Easier Communication
Facebook is an excellent platform for communication and schools can easily take advantage of its many features. Rather than printing off important information or newsletters and handing them to students to take home, Facebook can be used to broadcast to hundreds of different recipients at the same time.Perhaps more importantly, the instant nature of Facebook messaging means that recipients can be notified within seconds in the case of, for example, a school emergency. Traditional methods of communication will still be needed for parents and students who don't participate in the social network, but the messaging service could prove to be a more resourceful tool than trying to phone or SMS parents.
Facebook groups could also be used by students to work collaboratively and creating events pages for parents meetings or open days would persistently notify the more forgetful parents.
Schools will miss out on the huge advantages of social networks if they are apprehensive about opening up to Facebook. However, social networking in an educational context will be prone to scrutiny. A clear policy is needed from the beginning to educate pupils and staff, and it may also be helpful if schools engage parents on the matter and are clear and upfront with their social media proposals and intentions.
References:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/the-northerner/2013/mar/19/facebook-schools-social-media-policy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_website
http://www.ictsteps.com/2013/02/safer-social-media-in-school.html
http://www.elephantcreative.co.uk/2013/03/27/social-media-in-schools/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/teacher-network/2012/jul/26/social-media-teacher-guide
Ms KnightAbout the Author:
This post is courtesy of Ms Knight, a keen blogger and supply teacher in London.