The Networked Leader: Strengthening Connections with the School Community

Jason Neiffer Tech-Savvy Teacher in Residence

Northwest Council for Computer Education Doctoral Candidate, Curriculum & Instruction

University of Montana Curriculum Director

Montana Digital Academy

TagxedoImage: Tagxedo

Image:

con·ver·gence

the occurrence of two or more things coming together

Joe Logan

Allen Avenue SchoolImage:

UCSF School of PharmacyImage:

13th Street Studio

Jason Neiffer

So, what?

Ignoring connection-rich social media means shutting down a potentially massive channel of communication to parents, community members and tax payers!

...or else?

Social media presence should be planned; messaging is important

Accurate, up-to-date information beats out function; function beats out form

Unofficial presences are as important as official channels

Student voice is as important as adult voice

Simple Rules for Success

Low-Hanging Fruit

School Websites

http://jasonlinks.net/6

Classroom Websites

http://jasonlinks.net/7

Options

Blogging Platforms: EduBlogs, KidBlogs, Blogger,

Blog.com, TypePad, Jux, Tumblr, Posterous, Weebly,

LiveJournal

Serverside Content Management Systems (CMS): Wordpress, Joomla, Drupal,

PHP Nuke

Simple: Coded website, School Wires

Other Platforms: Wikispaces, Google Sites

Social Media Options

Facebook

http://jasonlinks.net/8

Twitter

http://jasonlinks.net/9

Media Channels: YouTube & Flickr

http://jasonlinks.net/a

Content?

School Happening: Guest Speakers, Assemblies, School Events, School Plays, Graduation, Concerts, Sports

Events

School Photos: Albums from School Events,

Classroom Projects, Field Grips

Video: Clips from Events, Sports,

Projects

Encourage Engagement: Fundraising, School Event Announcement, Pro-Levy

Messages

Strategery

Make social media an assignment for staff (or students); don’t assume it will just get done Accept social media as public relations strategy

Policy Considerations

Clearly define who is responsible for social media

Clearly define your channel(s) as the official channel(s)

Consider asking rogue channels to label themselves as unofficial

Channel Considerations

Privacy Considerations

Add social media to your existing district permission sign-offs for use of student images in marketing and media

Thank you! !http://blog.ncce.org http://www.ncce.org http://www.neiffer.com !Twitter: @ncce_edtech @techsavvyteach !Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncceconnect