Social media is no longer the mere platform for online communication and information — it has become a game-changer in most industries. In fact, schools capitalize on it to improve the quality of instruction. 
On a personal front, teachers can use social media either for personal or professional means. From work and business to connect with family and friends in another country, it helps maintain relationships easily.
The ability to use Facebook, YouTube or WhatsApp is not the only reason why teachers need social media. It’s about how social network tools furnish schools with multiple opportunities to improve learning methods.
But can it really contribute to the improvement of learning and teaching? Let’s see.
__________
>>> Are you planning to upgrade your tablet? I have included some of the best tablets for teachers.
_______________
Why Teachers Need Social Media
The upsurge of social media uses among educators today also pushes skills and competencies for teachers. If you see the increasing number of teachers taking to social media websites, that means social networking has become a central part of their professional development.
1) To Help Students Communicate Digitally
With teachers attending and assisting students in the use of educational tools to access communication, and information online, they also learn to collaborate in the digital world.
This helps teachers engage their teaching potential while providing an actual learning experience for everyone. The best thing is they don’t only embrace digital advancements but learn alongside their students.
__________
2) Use Networking Sites to Communicate with Colleagues, Students, and Parents
Other than Facebook, Twitter, and blogs that build powerful communication tools connecting peers, students, and parents; social media is an effective tool for sharing many types of information such as school announcements, upcoming field trips, special events, student projects, parents, and teachers’ meetings.
But part of this is the importance of being knowledgeable about policies concerning the use of social media sites set out by the school and the implementation of such practice. This lets each member of the class know that the parent and teacher are on the same page.
3) To Facilitate Web 2.0 Tools for K-12 Challenges
The mainstreaming of Web 2.0 tools in K-12 education requires the kind of delivery of instruction that knows what to look for, and how to capture and reproduce relevant data contexts, including effective data organizing.
Students are already employed by Web 2.0 social networking tools regularly. Even though the benefits of Web 2.0 present a challenge to how educational success is measured, schools believe that they are valuable to teaching and learning.
__________
4) To Navigate and Create Contents on Social Media Sites
The whirlwind growth of scientific and technological knowledge progressively challenges the idea of content creation that students must learn. Creating social media content improves academic performance by finding concrete information online.
Teachers manage knowledge by measuring what content is relevant, how to create one, where to find it, and to what extent – a lecture, written, or Powerpoint slides. This helps students manage online content better themselves after graduating.
__________
5) Understand Copyright and Privacy Issues on Online Sites
From creating content to sharing photos, videos, and just about anything, students today are large-scale consumers of the internet. Educators must be responsible for educating them on the basic intellectual property laws to avoid legal liability.
Beyond the students’ immediate needs, understanding the basic ground rules is essential in developing successful digital citizens. Everyone is encouraged to only original creations, be it books, music, games, movies, and art that are free from the issues of online privacy, security, and cyberbullying.
__________
6) Be the Role Model for Following Netiquette
Conforming to the internet’s ethical standards promotes appropriate interaction with colleagues, students, parents, and other internet users. When teachers are aware of what to do – they have the potential to ensure smooth communication and avoid misunderstandings.
Netiquette or “online etiquette” is the should-be manners and behavior expected of internet users. For example, “Be cautious of making sarcastic comments.” The right demeanor promotes communication skills and helps everyone understand what is acceptable when socially collaborating online.
__________
7) Help Students Understand the Long-Term Impact of Identity
Part of protecting a person’s online identity and reputation is by monitoring social footprint which includes the way one responds to other users. Because today’s language is more on the internet, an important aspect of earning approval is by creating and maintaining a good online reputation.
As much as students need to learn how to respect and be respected online, teachers as well need the respect and trust of students, their parents, and their entire online community. Students need to understand the long-term impact of personal information shared online.
__________
8) To Embrace a Personal Learning Plan about Trends, Tools, and Applications
There are various forms of social media networks today where certain platforms are more appropriate for their unique functions and features. So choosing which social network to focus your goals on is quite challenging.
The online world revolves around what you know. So if you’re trying to figure out what each social network can do to help you upgrade your life as a teacher, it pays to know which social media platforms you should try and why.
__________
9) It Broadens Visibility and Reaches
Knowledge of social media means a teacher has broader visibility, reach, and impact on classroom activities. That includes the willingness to try new concepts and solutions.
Because social media seems an extremely easy and fun way to incorporate technology in the classroom, it’s a perfect tool to meet students and parents. It equips everyone with a better understanding of how the 21st-century world connects.
__________
Here’s a video that introduces the concept of media literacy as a key that unlocks the meaning behind the things that we see online.
__________
Summing It Up
Social networking has added a new dimension to the way teachers connect through the internet. This means that the principles that are morally acceptable by society now extend to the digital world.
The bottom line is — with everything aligning to the new normal system, more teachers are needed in social media. Since students would use social networking for learning, it’s vital that teachers are involved.
I believe the best part of why teachers need social media is not just to connect and communicate but they will understand what their students are facing, as well.
Do you have some thoughts about why teachers need social media? Share them with us in the comments.
