Power to the Tweeple - Democratization via Twitter

Is Twitter democratizing our schools in a way that outpaces the acceptable use policy? We are living in the Information Age--social media echoes the sentiments of Marshall McLuhan who proclaimed, "The medium is the message." As we strive to be stewards of educational innovation and improvement, shouldn't we embrace the power of social media in our ever-expanding learning ecosystem?

Think about it: When social media is used to promote the free exchange of ideas and showcase student creativity and innovation, that goes beyond "acceptable". It is downright exceptional!

Twitter Moment: Capturing "That Time Our Students Met Governor Wolf"

Twitter Moment: Introducing "The Child I Was" to the Students I Teach

Twitter Moment: Embodying "The Essence of Teamwork" and "Resilience in Defeat"

#PowerToTheTweeple

For those bold educator-innovators whom are in violation of their district's acceptable use/social media policy, I dedicate this post to you. As of this date, I am you... My district's official policy is opposed to teachers tweeting--but it sure is nice when colleagues, administrators, and students stop by my classroom because they saw the tweets showcasing the "cool and creative" things we do.

I am the high school representative on the Trinity Area School District Education Committee. To me, putting educators in the lead is one of my highest priorities as a committee member. We see the power of sharing and showcasing student creativity and achievements both in the classroom and our community. As a digital innovator, I want this to be as much a part of our culture and identity as reading, writing, and arithmetic. 

Teaching our students to be digitally responsible, 21st century citizens isn't an option: it's what the age of innovation demands. It is my honor and duty as a teacher to lead the way.

Let's make a push to democratize our schools and allow educators to responsibly post classroom artifacts, best practices, and student achievements... Without the fear of violating the same district policies that strictly forbid students from wearing "jams and Zubaz pants". 

The '90s called... They want their acceptable use policy back.

*Note: 

As a sophomore, I was assigned detention for going on the Internet without a signed and approved permission form. It was a beautiful spring afternoon in 1999, and I was locked in the after school detention dungeon with class skippers and bathroom stall smokers.

The website I accessed was a 10th Grade Chemistry Review Guide that I created using Tripod: I was so proud of myself--and so busted by our school's librarian!

My parents did not challenge the penalty, citing that it was a ridiculously silly policy, yet I knew what might happen if I went online. It was my folly for trying to learn independently between the hours of 7-3.

I am still amazed that I found my vocation as a teacher... The beauty and irony of it all. Life is a gift, and a sense of humor is a blessing!