Creating a Safe Space for Student "Social Media" Posts

I know that many schools are beginning to outlaw the use of cell phones but our students still want to post things.  This week, I'm exploring how one might use social media type activities within the classroom safely and using easily accessible platforms. It is possible to harness the engagement of social media in the classroom without the privacy risks. Today, we'll discuss creating a safe and  controlled environment for students to share their work and ideas in a "social media" style:

The key is to use platforms that restrict access to only your students and you. Public social media sites are a no-go for student work due to privacy concerns. We need closed, classroom-only spaces and there are a few choices that contain built-in privacy.  Look at Learning Management Systems (LMS) to host your social media.

There are two LMS that are easily available to most teachers and two others that are possible depending on your district. Two easily available LMS are Google Classroom and Canvas while Moodle and Schoology are possible but may not be as good a choice for your situation.  LMS platforms are ideal because they are built for controlled access so you manage who sees what.  In addition, they provide structured spaces for different activities, making it easy for students to find and share content.  The teacher has moderation tools to ensure respectful and appropriate discussions

1. Learning Management Systems (LMS): Your Best Bet

   • Google Classroom: Free, user-friendly, and integrates seamlessly with other Google tools. You create a class, students join with a code, and everything is contained within that space. Posts, assignments, and discussions are only visible to class members and you. Excellent for organization and grading too.
   • Canvas: A more robust (often paid) LMS, common in schools and universities. Similar to Google Classroom, Canvas provides a secure environment for all class activities, accessible only to enrolled students.
   • Moodle: Open-source and highly customizable, Moodle offers a wide range of features for managing online learning, including forums, wikis, and assignment submission, all within a controlled environment.
   • Schoology: Designed for K-12, Schoology offers features for course management, communication, and assessment, all within a secure space for student interaction.

2. Alternatives (Use with Caution and Extra Steps):

   • Password-Protected Website/Blog: You could create a website or blog and password-protect it.  However, this requires some technical knowledge (or using a website builder with strong password protection features). It's also less organized than an LMS.  Crucially, ensure the platform you choose is reputable for privacy. Avoid platforms that make content public by default. This option is best if you have no access to an LMS.

Setting Up Your "Class Social Media" Space:

Choose your platform.  It is strongly recommended one use an LMS but if it's not possible, proceed with a password-protected website only if you're confident in your ability to maintain privacy.   In your chosen platform, create a dedicated space for your class. This might be called a "class," "course," or "group," depending on the platform.

 Each platform will have its own way of adding students. Usually, this involves a code or link that students use to join.  It is important to establish guidelines.  Before students start posting, clearly explain the rules for participation. Emphasize and reiterate that students should not post any  real names, addresses, or other identifying details. Consider using student ID numbers or nicknames.

Practice respectful communications.  All posts and comments must be respectful and appropriate. No bullying or negativity. All posts need to focus on learning because the primary purpose is to share work, ask questions, and discuss course content. Clarify that students retain ownership of their work, even when sharing it in this space.  Now, it's time to begin posting.  Encourage students to share their work, ask questions, and participate in discussions. You can provide prompts or activities to get them started.

Important Privacy Reminders (for all platforms):

• Parental Consent: Check your school's policies and local laws regarding parental consent for online activities.
• Platform Security: Research the privacy policies of any platform you use. Choose reputable platforms with strong security measures.
• Teacher Moderation: Actively moderate the online space. This is crucial for ensuring respectful communication and addressing any issues that arise.
• Data Retention: Be clear with students (and parents) about how long student data will be stored and how it will be used.

It is important to make it feel like "social media" without the risks.  Encourage "likes" and "comments" especially many of these features are often built into LMS platforms.  They can promote engagement and peer feedback.  Encourage the use of hashtags by creating  class-specific hashtags (e.g., #MathMasters, #ScienceExplorers) to organize posts by topic.  Depending on the platform, it may  allow students to create simple profiles. Keep these basic and avoid any requests for personal information.

If you follow these guidelines, you can create a safe and engaging online space for your students to share their work and ideas in a "social media" format, all while protecting their privacy.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.