Give social media a chance in schools! The administration ways of blocking access to information is not democratic.

Social media sites are becoming extremely popular across all ages. This has also raised concern from teachers and education board members. While some teachers and lecturers use Facebook, Twitter, and texting as means of communicating with students, the school boards are banning access to social networking tools completely. At the Applebatch Teacher Community , we strive to help teachers and provide them with all the necessary tools for inside and outside of their classrooms.

Chicago Public Schools, as well as Concordia University and the New Brunswick Department of Education, have blocked access to Facebook and Twitter at schools and require its teachers to communicate with students through their official email accounts only. One of the main reasons for banning social media in the classroom is the concern for security. At Applebatch, we understand the importance of security, and are pleased to say that we have designed a social media tool for teachers that is secure and safe to use.

Even though some teachers admit that Facebook and Twitter have great potential for learning in the classroom, they are too much of a distraction for students. Since students can use Facebook to follow friends, view pictures, and play games, they get easily distracted using the tool and procrastinate on their intellectual learning. It is recommended that teachers use classroom management systems such as Blackboard or Desire2Learn, which are software packages designed to develop course material and help students communicate and submit their work online.

Social media sites will continue to grow and become more popular. Teachers can also benefit from social media by participating in the Applebatch Teacher Network . Applebatch gives teachers to opportunity to share and upload free resources, meet other educators in the area, grow their professional network, and search for teaching jobs in a safe online environment.