Social media and social networks, from Facebook to Snapchat to Twitter and beyond, are an increasingly important part of how we communicate and connect day to day. They're key for staying in touch and up-to-date as well as contributing to our world and being creative. Many teachers find social networking a great way to expand their personal learning network and to discover resources. Just about all students rely on social media of some kind as a part of their daily routine. So how do you bring social media and social networks into the classroom? And how do you decide what will work for you and your students? Here's a collection of the best and most interesting social networks and social media apps and websites we've looked at to help you decide.
YA review site gives students a real-world, although ad-driven, outlet
Bottom Line: LitPick is a decent place for YA lovers to discover and discuss books, but the site is in need of a refresh and features a lot of promotion/ads.
Unique platform acts as social media training wheels for students
Bottom Line: If students take to it and teachers can support it, DiGii Social can level up digital citizenship awareness in a safe yet authentic context.
Social bookmarking encourages discovery, collaboration, and sharing
Bottom Line: With a Diigo educator account, teachers and students have a safe space to organize, customize, and share Web content while learning about a variety of subjects.
Social hub offers a novel but tricky spin on classroom communication
Bottom Line: With some creativity and moderation, this student-loved messaging alternative to Google and Microsoft could be a key extension of your classroom.
