Never did I think that I would be on board with teachers partaking in the social media craze. However, creating social media accounts for classes is not only beneficial for the student but teacher as well.

Social media is an efficient way to contact a teacher. Instant messaging or posting on their wall immediately alerts the individual, advising them that they are trying are to be contacted by someone. Also, teachers can take advantage of how often teenagers check their Twitter or Instagram accounts by posting reminders of due dates and upcoming assignments. A quick tweet or update on Facebook can be just the reminder a student needs to achieve a better grade in the class.

AP Lang’s Jasen Eairheart utilizes Twitter as a medium with students. Most of his tweets consists of reminders and informational updates for class. He even answers questions other students have over the tasks assigned to them, like the requirements expected of them. However there can be a downside to a teacher’s fascination with social media. Teachers must be cautious of what they post, constantly monitoring to make sure what they write is considered appropriate. Also, students could rely solely on this form of communication when needing to contact his/her professor or feelings may be hurt when their teacher doesn’t “friend” or “follow” them back. Being unable to achieve the “mutual” follow with your teacher is nobody’s fault, “friending” your students is restricted for teachers.

Another benefit of social media as a source of communication is that it’s fun. Sharing parallels between your social and academic life with your teacher is usually appealing to everyone. Taking pictures of you reading your AP Lang book in exotic places over spring break or tweeting puns about chemistry than mentioning your teacher’s username is an amusing way to incorporate learning in our everyday lives.

The idea of your teacher using social media is initially scary. Why would I want my superior to have access of my personal thoughts? What if they use it against me? But really it’s just another way to keep us on track.