Tool |
What is it |
Ideas on how to use it |
How to get started |
Blog
|
A sort of online journal. Frequent “posts” of news, ideas and other information. Posts are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. |
|
Getting started is as easy as establishing an account. Options exist for whether or not you want to require those who leave comments to identify themselves. Tip: When people are asked to identify themselves, they typically provide more thoughtful, useful feedback. |
|
A site which allows users to set up a profile and add “friends” who can view their photos and information. Considered more secure than sites like My Space, which are open to anyone to view. Social media site for both the young and mature crowds. |
This is entirely new territory for school
districts. However, more and more K-12 systems are establishing a
Facebook presence. Most school communicators predict that K-12 education
will be the next big wave of joiners and some in Iowa have already
jumped in. Many private schools have already discovered this new
communication channel. Are they filling a void in your community? |
School districts who want to establish a Facebook presence create an account separate from the personal accounts that individuals set up. A pull-down menu lets you select “Education” as your category of business.
|
|
A tool to share short bursts of information (140 characters or less) that users who choose to “follow” you can receive and pass on to others. Sometimes called “micro-blogging” or “burst blogging” |
|
Establish an account and start tweeting! Setting up an account takes very little time and the page can be “branded” with your district’s logo and colors. |
For a more thorough list of social media (also called Web 2.0) tools, how to use them and tips for getting started:
(Shared with permission by Leslie Fisher. For more information, contact Leslie at www.lesliefisher.com)
Key staff members in each of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are keeping a keen eye on developments in social media and the implications for schools. Ongoing professional opportunities in the use of tools like blogs and wikis are offered to school administrators. Contact your local AEA for support and technical assistance
Float
an idea and ask for feedback about a change being considered.
