my own article

Role of Social Media in Education

At a very early age, and all over the world, many children are now being introduced to the concepts of social media. Although primary school children are too young to have accounts on most social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and so on.

As children get a little older, they typically spend more of their own time using the computer at home, playing online games, chatting on their mobile phones, and connecting with their friends on social media sites like Facebook. Kids are now referred to as “digital natives” — they’ve never known a world that wasn’t connected to the Internet.

Teachers, professors and academics routinely use blogs to write about the world of education and invite comments from colleagues all over the world. They can expand the conversation to social media outposts and use techniques like Twitter chats to engage a global audience in real time. Even admissions departments are leveraging the power of social media. Many colleges and universities now research applicants on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to verify credentials and screen for criteria that supports or hinders a student’s application.

It’s clear that social media is starting to play a bigger role in schools and school districts, with the overall tone of the interviews suggesting interest in figuring out how to make social media work. But this isn’t to say implementing social media doesn’t have its challenges, most notably concern for the safety and security of the students. Many of the schools and districts that are taking advantage of social media are addressing many of these challenges head on, including getting students to sign a “responsible use” policy, getting more sophisticated with Internet filters, and simply trusting that students will do the right thing. Even with the challenges that exist, many also see tremendous opportunities, primarily the ability to better engage with students and “meet them where they are.”

21^st Learning Century Opportunities

Twenty-first-century learning means that students master content while producing, synthesizing, and evaluating information from a wide variety of subjects and sources with an understanding of and respect for diverse cultures. Students demonstrate the three Rs, but also the three Cs: creativity, communication, and collaboration. They demonstrate digital literacy as well as civic responsibility. Virtual tools and open-source software create borderless learning territories for students of all ages, anytime and anywhere.

Powerful learning of this nature demands well-prepared teachers who draw on advances in cognitive science and are strategically organized in teams, in and out of cyberspace. Many will emerge as teacherpreneurs who work closely with students in their local communities while also serving as learning concierges, virtual network guides, gaming experts, community organizers, and policy researchers.

In 21st Century Learning, students use educational technologies to apply knowledge to new situations, analyze information, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. Utilizing emerging technologies to provide expanded learning opportunities is critical to the success of future generations.  Improved options and choice for students will help improve student completion and achievement.

Students learn through meaningful projects

When students design, plan, carry out, and publicly exhibit a project of genuine value (to themselves, to the community, or to a client), it has a transformative effect on their perception of themselves, their relationship to learning, and their sense of their place in the world around them. It is also the best way to develop the diverse portfolio of skills that that are increasingly in demand from employers.

School is a ‘base camp’ for enquiry

Now that many mobile phones can access more information than is held in any library, the idea of school as the place you go to acquire knowledge is an anachronism. However, schools still have an important

role to play as the ‘base camp’ for enquiries that will take students into their communities, and online.

Educators regard themselves as learners as well as teachers

An interest in learning is the key characteristic that teachers share with their students, and teachers need to be able to conduct action research and be aware of developments in their field, in order to develop their practice (and share it with their colleagues).

Learners collaborate in their learning, rather than ‘consuming’ it

Students are experts in their own learning – they know how they learn best, and what they are most interested in, and schools stand to benefit from working with them rather than performing for them. In other words, rather than trying to put on a fancier show for their students, teachers should let them backstage.

Embracing a 21st-century learning model requires consideration of those elements that could comprise such a shift: creating learners who take intellectual risks, fostering learning dispositions, and nurturing school communities where everyone is a learner.

SIPC Through the Years

"Life is short to be wasted. As they said, enjoy life to the fullest."

  

As I enrolled in this school I was very surprised because many tells that this school is cheap and has a low standard of education. But they were wrong and I can prove it. During enrollment last 2011, I thought that the staff are difficult to approach and strict but what I think is wrong, they are very approachable and nice. They had an equal treatment to the students, they do not consider you if you are the son/daughter of a teacher you will be serve first. I was amazed because in other school if you are popular or a child of an employee of the school they will treat you nice and serve you first. SIPC has a really fair treatment. When the class started I am also glad of their warm welcome to the freshmen students and also to the old student of the school. Teachers are very nice and approachable. They are very willing to help their students to become successful. 

The administration has a good rules and regulations that can mold a well-rounded student and teachers. It is very supportive in terms of education matters especially on catering the needs of the student. They have different organizations where active students are the members and guided by a professional leader. The students have a strong connection to the administration that's why many development in the school and accomplishments are made.

The campus is very conducive for students to learn. it has a gymnasium were Physical Education is performed. Libraries with lots of book and sufficient printed resources that can really be used by students on their studying. It has also Computer laboratories which a great number of units that can cater students that has a computer subject. These subjects are handled by teachers who are very professional in dealing computer education. They are really eager to help their students to become modernized and be educated on how to use computers for it is very needed. Teachers are very updated of the gadgets and have a great knowledge about different educational technology. 

The school offers lot of courses to choose. Each courses has great teachers and advisers. 

I am a 3rd year BEED student and for my three years of studying here in SIPC there is no regrets come in my mind instead I am very thankful for being in this school because now I understand why my parents really want to enroll me here in SIPC and take Education course. I am very proud to be one of an education student because teachers in this council are very dedicated and professional in terms of teaching and dealing with their students. 

It is really true that, being professional you must know first yourself before knowing others. Teaching is a great profession. There are no doctors, lawyers,scientists and other knowledgeable persons if there are no TEACHERS.

“Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”
― Aristotle