Post-It? An Intro to Social Media
Overview
This lesson is targeted at students who have not yet started using social media, but will soon. It offers discussion questions to get them thinking, as well as, an activity you can use long-term within your classroom to build skills and community... even if you don't have devices.
Post-It? An Intro to Social Media
Class Level - 3rd-5th Grade
Goal I Create understanding of social media etiquette and considerations.
Context I Students are beginning to or will soon be active on social media.
Objective I Make students aware of social media etiquette and considerations.
Standards I
“I Can” Statement I I can use social media safely and responsibly.
AASL Standards I :
III.B.Create Learners participate in personal, social intellectual networks by: 1. Using a variety of communication tools and resources.
III.C.Share Learners work productively with others to solve problems by: 1. Soliciting and responding to feedback from others and
2.Involving diverse perspectives in their own inquiry process.
South Dakota State Library Standards
4.LIB.IL.1.5 Share learning by beginning to use a variety of platforms, tools, styles, media, and formats.
4.LIB.CE.1.2 Explore and identify the impact of one's online activity and digital footprint.
4.LIB.CE.1.6 Respectfully collaborate to contribute to the exchange of ideas in diverse learning communities.
Procedures I
- Give each student three scraps of scratch paper.
- On the first scrap – Respond to this question assuming only your closest friend or friends would see it: What’s the most embarrassing thing – you’ve ever done?
- On the second scrap – Answer the same question, but in this case - your teachers, principal, and the adults in your family will see it.
- And on the third scrap– Answer the question knowing your favorite movie/tv star(s), singer(s)/musician(s), and/or hero will see it.
- Critical thinking prompts: That was the same question – did you write different answers for each? Did you feel more embarrassed thinking about one of those groups reading your response or responses than others? Why? Research shows that people often post things online that they would never say aloud or in person. Do you think you would be more likely to post something online than saying it aloud to any of these groups? Why do you think that is? Why might it be a poor decision or even dangerous?
- Key point: When you post online, there is a potential that anyone can see your post or response… even people you have never met or haven’t met yet. You might apply for a job in a few years and many employers look online to see your social media history. Many parents check their kid’s accounts. Would you be proud to have your friend’s mom or dad reading what you’ve sent or posted publicly? Even though it might feel like you are talking just to your friends – social media posts can be permanent. If you post or even private message something you are not proud of – even if you delete it, someone else may have already taken a screen shot of it and can continue to show others.
- Next step: Let’s take a look at how social media conversations work. Just like any community – online social media platforms have a culture. Here are some unofficial rules that are good to follow on any of them.
- Don’t write in all CAPs. It creates the appearance you are angry or yelling.
- Use complete sentences and good grammar/punctuation. It’s easy to be misunderstood online.
- Be clear and concise.
- Respond to the portion of the thread you are responding to… not necessarily the whole thread. (Show example.)
- Be polite, even to strangers.
- Beware of trolls and bullies. Some people are only online or participate in conversations to create drama or hurt others. Don’t engage with them and reach out to friends if you see them being bullied.
- Ask a trusted grown-up for help if you feel uncomfortable or see something that feels wrong or dangerous.
- Final Step: Create a mock Twitter feed on an empty part of your room. Have students post to the “feed” using Post-It notes throughout the day. Students must include their name on the posts.
- BONUS – Keep it going all year as a community building activity. Have a daily question available for students to respond to. If time at the end of each day, discuss.
Assessment I Monitor the mock Twitter Feed. Advise individual students as needed and reinforce main concepts with group.