This blog has delved into a range of social media topics, covering areas such as Acceptable Use Policies (AUP), online privacy and safety, Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), digital footprints/tattoos, as well as regulations like COPPA, CIPA, FERPA, and SOPPA, and media/digital literacy. This week, as I near my completion of my master’s degree in technology, I have chosen to focus on exploring the positive aspects, the ("Do's") of social media as well as highlighting the positive impacts that technology can have, particularly in the realm of social media.
While it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and dangers of online platforms, I believe that emphasizing the "Do's" of social media is more beneficial than solely focusing on the "Don'ts." In the realm of student education, especially regarding social media, the focus often lands on what not to do.
By highlighting the positive ways in which we can use technology, such as fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and promoting creativity, we can create a more inclusive and empowering digital space for all users.
Instead of merely listing restrictions, we should promote the constructive ways social media can be used. This approach not only encourages responsible behavior but also empowers students to leverage social media for their benefit.
The infographic I created below exemplifies this positive perspective by outlining 5 key "do's" for social media use for those that are 13 and up, a critical age group for developing responsible social media habits. For instance, it emphasizes the importance of presenting oneself thoughtfully online, being mindful of personal information sharing, trusting instincts, and respecting others' privacy. These guidelines are designed to help students navigate social media safely and responsibly, fostering a more positive digital environment.
I believe social media has a valuable place in the classroom, offering opportunities for collaboration, communication, and creativity. These platforms can enhance student engagement and provide a platform for showcasing their work to a wider audience. By focusing on the positive aspects and providing clear guidelines, we can equip these individuals with the tools they need to make informed decisions online. Together, we can promote a culture of responsible digital citizenship, where social media is a platform for positive interactions and personal growth.
Social media in education can enhance communication between students, teachers, and parents, fostering collaboration and engagement. It also provides a platform for sharing resources, ideas, and student work, enriching the learning experience. Moving forward, I plan to incorporate social media more into my own art room. I want to create a professional Instagram account to connect with other art teachers and share ideas and my student’s work. Additionally, I might look into creating a classroom Facebook page to share projects easily with the community and parents/guardians. Exploring these avenues aligns with my goals and commitment to leveraging and integrating technology and social media in an educational and constructive manner and to enhance the educational experience and foster a collaborative community within my art room.
Resources:
Author, G. (2015, July 17). Build your brand: How a positive social media presence can lead to a career. Getting Smart. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2015/07/17/build-brand-positive-social-media-presence-can-lead-career/
Free design tool: Presentations, video, social media | CANVA. (n.d.). https://www.canva.com/
Whiten, M. (2018, May 1). The do’s and don’ts of Nonprofit Marketing. Jemully Media. https://jemully.com/dos-donts-nonprofit-marketing/
Media literacy: is an expanded conceptualization of literacy. It is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create and reflect on media messages as well as the ability to use media effectively to communicate and express ideas, critically interpret media content and to recognize bias/misinformation. It also involves understanding how media messages are constructed, for what purposes, and how they influence individuals and society.
Image Source: You Tube Language and Ideas
Digital media is everywhere and is a big part of our lives. This week I dove into the impact that media literacy has on students and its place in education. Digital media provides interactive and engaging tools for learning and catering to diverse learning styles. It lets educators create dynamic and immersive learning experiences that enhance student understanding and retention of information. It is because of the incorporation of digital media that media literacy is crucial in education.
Media literacy teaches students how to critically analyze, evaluate, and create media messages. It empowers students to be able to navigate a variety of digital media, identify misinformation, and make informed decisions. It also fosters digital citizenship skills, helping students become responsible and ethical creators of media content. As per Renee Hobbs (a media literacy expert) there are 5 competencies ( Access, Analyze, Create, Reflect and Act) of media literacy that one needs to be familiar with. You can read about them more in depth in this article here and look at the diagram below to see ways to incorporate these literacies into your classrooms/lessons.
Hobbs' competencies are vital in education because they equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate today's media-rich environment effectively. Each competency plays a crucial role in helping students develop digital literacy, critical thinking skills and responsible digital citizenship. While all competencies are important, some educators may prioritize certain ones based on their students' needs and the learning outcomes they aim to achieve. For example, in a media literacy course, analyzing and reflecting on media messages may be emphasized, while in a digital art class, creating digital content may take precedence.
Here's are which competencies I think are important in education and as an art educator and why:
Analyze:In an age of information overload, this skill is essential. Students must be able to critically evaluate media messages to discern truth from misinformation or propaganda. In art education, students learn to critically analyze artworks, including their visual elements, themes, and cultural context. Analytical skills help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of art, as well as the ability to articulate their interpretations and critiques effectively.
Create: The ability to create media content allows students to express themselves creatively and communicate their ideas effectively. Art education often emphasizes the importance of creative expression and artistic production.
Overall, all of Hobb’s competencies are important and are crucial for students to learn to navigate the complex rapidly changing digital world. It enables them to engage with media in a thoughtful, critical, and productive manner. Ultimately, a balanced approach that integrates all competencies is ideal for preparing students to be competent and responsible digital citizens.
Not only does Hobbs play an important role in the way we think of media literacy but so does Marshall McLuhan. He was a Canadian philosopher, educator, and communication theorist of the 1960’s and is well known for his idea "the medium is the message”. This idea suggests that the medium through which information is transmitted has a more significant influence on society and culture than the actual content of the message itself. Hobbs' competencies align with Marshall McLuhan's idea that "the medium is the message". Let's explore how each of Hobbs' 5 competencies intersects with McLuhan's idea:
Access: McLuhan’s emphasis on the characteristics of a medium shape and influences the message it conveys. Understanding the medium through which information is accessed is crucial in comprehending the message itself.
Analyze: McLuhan's notion suggests that the medium through which information is transmitted influences how it is perceived and interpreted. For example, the way news is presented on television may differ significantly from how it is presented in a newspaper, impacting the audience's interpretation of the information. Analyzing media messages involves not only understanding the content but also considering how the medium itself shapes the message.
Evaluate: McLuhan's idea prompts individuals to assess not only the content of the message but also the medium through which it is conveyed. Understanding the inherent biases and limitations of different media platforms is essential for evaluating the reliability and relevance of information.
Create: McLuhan's concept suggests that the medium through which a message is created influences the message itself. When people create media content, they must consider how their choice of medium shapes the message, the medium used to create the content influences how it is perceived and interpreted by the audience.
Act: McLuhan's idea highlights that the medium through which information is communicated influences societal behavior and norms. Acting responsibly in our digital society involves considering not only the content of the messages being shared but also the medium through which they are communicated.
Generally speaking, both Hobbs' competencies and Marshall McLuhan's concept of "the medium is the message," emphasize the importance of considering the medium through which information is accessed, analyzed, evaluated, created, and acted upon in the media landscape.
My Thoughts on Media Literacy…
In today’s digital age, media literacy is essential as it empowers individuals to critically engage with media messages, understand their impact, and make informed decisions. It allows people to decipher between misleading/false and credible information, navigate complex digital worlds and lets them express themselves effectively in various media formats. Media literacy not only fosters a deeper understanding of media's role in shaping society and culture, but also cultivates active and responsible citizenship in a rapidly evolving media environment. While it is important to learn these skills at a young age, it is important that even as adults we learn and apply these skills in our interactions with media literacy. Media literacy is most effectively taught through a collaborative partnership between schools and parents/guardians. By working together, schools and families can provide students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to navigate the media landscape critically, responsibly, and confidently.
In what ways has media literacy impacted your consumption and creation of media content?
How does media literacy support student learning in your subject area or grade level?
In what ways do you see media literacy skills preparing students for future academic and professional endeavors?
How do you stay informed about current events while ensuring the information you receive is accurate and reliable?
Resources:
10 resources to boost Student Media Literacy. ISTE. (n.d.). https://iste.org/blog/11-resources-to-boost-student-media-literacy
Campos, D. V. (2022, June 15). News & Media Literacy 101. Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/news-media-literacy-101
Digital and Media Literacy Education. Media Education Lab. (n.d.). https://mediaeducationlab.com/digital-and-media-literacy-education
Higgin, T. (2020, January 10). Media Literacy Resources for classrooms. Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/media-literacy-resources-for-classrooms
Hobbs, R. (2020a, April 4). Educators all around the world are engaged in the process of online learning during the time of... Medium. https://reneehobbs.medium.com/educators-all-around-the-world-are-engaged-in-the-process-of-online-learning-during-the-time-of-3e8c0beb982b
Hobbs, R. (2020b, April 4). Educators all around the world are engaged in the process of online learning during the time of... Medium. https://reneehobbs.medium.com/educators-all-around-the-world-are-engaged-in-the-process-of-online-learning-during-the-time-of-3e8c0beb982b
Hobbs, R. (2020c, April 4). Educators all around the world are engaged in the process of online learning during the time of... Medium. https://reneehobbs.medium.com/educators-all-around-the-world-are-engaged-in-the-process-of-online-learning-during-the-time-of-3e8c0beb982b
Media Literacy. Media Literacy | Learning to Give. (n.d.). https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/media-literacy
Ncte. (2023, September 6). What do we want students to know about the media?. National Council of Teachers of English. https://ncte.org/blog/2022/01/want-students-know-media/
Niall McNulty. (2024, February 1). Why is media literacy important, in school and in society? https://www.niallmcnulty.com/2021/06/why-is-media-literacy-important/
YouTube. (2022, May 8). What is media literacy?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6H8jpbcI0U&t=9s
"Protecting Young Minds: Navigating CIPA and COPPA for Child Safety Online"
Image Source: Vecteezy.com
As teaching professionals entrusted with the education of minors, it is important that we maintain a thorough understanding of the laws designed to protect children. Not only does this knowledge ensure compliance with legal guidelines, but it also upholds our ethical duty as citizens to be informed about regulations that impact our professional responsibilities. Laws regarding the safety, privacy, and rights of minors are critical in shaping the learning environments in which we interact and influence our students. It is for this reason we must stay up to date on these laws. It is not just a legal obligation but a moral obligation to provide a safe and supportive educational experience for all children.
So what are CIPA | COPPA | FERPA | SOPPA …….
The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) : is a federal law in the United States. It requires schools, libraries that receive federal funding to filter/block access to obscene or harmful content on the internet. It also requires schools to teach students about how to interact appropriately online.
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law in the USA that regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information from children under the age of 13 by online services. It requires online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children as well as provide guardians with the option to review and delete their child's information.
SOPPA, the Student Online Personal Protection Act:is a law in Illinois that governs how schools collect, use, and protect student data. It makes sure that student's data is not exploited for commercial purposes and it is securely managed.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): is a federal law in the United States. It protects the privacy of student education records. It gives guardians certain rights pertaining to their child's education records. It allows them to review, request corrections, and control the disclosure of personal identifiable information. It applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding.
My thoughts on COPA/CIPPA….
Privacy laws for children need to have transparency, parental and education involvement. Providing parents and teachers with the tools and knowledge will help guide their children's/student’s online activities is crucial. Additionally, platform developers must implement strong privacy measures and age-appropriate content filters to minimize risks for young users.
CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) and COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) serves as an outline to help safeguard children's privacy and online experiences. However, like any legislation, they have their strengths and limitations.
COPPA, for instance, sets a minimum age of 13 for online data collection without parental consent. This age threshold is somewhat discretionary and has been criticized for exposing younger children to privacy risks. It can be challenging to determine a universally suitable age. Children develop at different rates, both cognitively and emotionally. However, setting a clear age limit helps create a baseline for online privacy protections. danah boyd’s (who represents her name with lowercase letters) research/comment that COPPA teaches kids to lie reflects a common concern. Children might "lie" or "misrepresent" their age online in order to gain access to the platform of their choice that requires users to be at least 13 years. By doing so, they inadvertently expose themselves to potential risks. This insight to the law highlights an awareness that we need to teach children about online privacy and safety from an early age.
Below are some more limitations that COPPA faces.
Enforcement Challenges: Enforcement of COPPA can be challenging due to the global nature of the internet. Many small-scale operators may not be aware of their obligations under COPPA or may lack the resources to implement compliant practices.
Emerging Technologies: COPPA was created in 1998, a bit before the boom of social media, mobile apps, and other advanced online technologies so it may not adequately address the privacy implications of these newer platforms and services, leaving gaps in protection for children.
CIPA mainly focuses on restricting access to harmful content in schools and libraries that receive federal funding. It requires these institutions to filter and monitor internet access to help protect minors from harmful or obscene images and material. CIPA also has limitations in its effectiveness. It primarily targets access to inappropriate content in schools and libraries. This potentially leaves children vulnerable to online risks outside of these environments. Additionally, content filtering may inadvertently restrict access to valuable educational resources. Content filtering technologies can also vary, this leading to both over blocking and under blocking of content.
Final Thoughts…..
As for whether CIPA and COPPA do enough to protect children, it's a complex issue. Just like any document or program, it has room for improvement. These laws provide important safeguards by requiring parental consent for the collection of personal information and by mandating internet filtering in schools and libraries. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on enforcement and ongoing updates for evolving online risks. Education plays a crucial role in a child's learning of how to navigate the digital world responsibly. It's clear that there's a need for ongoing evaluation and updating of existing legislation to keep pace with emerging threats and technological advancements. We need to find a balance between accessibility, privacy and safety. When creating updates, we need to have collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders, educators, and parents. It is essential to create a safer online environment for children.
References:
Free design tool: Presentations, video, social media | CANVA. (n.d.). https://www.canva.com/
As teaching professionals entrusted with the education of minors, it is important that we maintain a thorough understanding of the laws designed to protect children. Not only does this knowledge ensure compliance with legal guidelines, but it also upholds our ethical duty as citizens to be informed about regulations that impact our professional responsibilities. Laws regarding the safety, privacy, and rights of minors are critical in shaping the learning environments in which we interact and influence our students. It is for this reason we must stay up to date on these laws. It is not just a legal obligation but a moral obligation to provide a safe and supportive educational experience for all children.
The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) : is a federal law in the United States. It requires schools, libraries that receive federal funding to filter/block access to obscene or harmful content on the internet. It also requires schools to teach students about how to interact appropriately online.
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law in the USA that regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information from children under the age of 13 by online services. It requires online services to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children as well as provide guardians with the option to review and delete their child's information.
SOPPA, the Student Online Personal Protection Act: is a law in Illinois that governs how schools collect, use, and protect student data. It makes sure that student's data is not exploited for commercial purposes and it is securely managed.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): is a federal law in the United States. It protects the privacy of student education records. It gives guardians certain rights pertaining to their child's education records. It allows them to review, request corrections, and control the disclosure of personal identifiable information. It applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding.
My thoughts on COPA/CIPPA….
Privacy laws for children need to have transparency, parental and education involvement. Providing parents and teachers with the tools and knowledge will help guide their children's/student’s online activities is crucial. Additionally, platform developers must implement strong privacy measures and age-appropriate content filters to minimize risks for young users.
CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) and COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) serves as an outline to help safeguard children's privacy and online experiences. However, like any legislation, they have their strengths and limitations.
COPPA, for instance, sets a minimum age of 13 for online data collection without parental consent. This age threshold is somewhat discretionary and has been criticized for exposing younger children to privacy risks. It can be challenging to determine a universally suitable age. Children develop at different rates, both cognitively and emotionally. However, setting a clear age limit helps create a baseline for online privacy protections. danah boyd’s (who represents her name with lowercase letters) research/comment that COPPA teaches kids to lie reflects a common concern. Children might "lie" or "misrepresent" their age online in order to gain access to the platform of their choice that requires users to be at least 13 years. By doing so, they inadvertently expose themselves to potential risks. This insight to the law highlights an awareness that we need to teach children about online privacy and safety from an early age.
Below are some more limitations that COPPA faces.
Enforcement Challenges: Enforcement of COPPA can be challenging due to the global nature of the internet. Many small-scale operators may not be aware of their obligations under COPPA or may lack the resources to implement compliant practices.
Emerging Technologies: COPPA was created in 1998, a bit before the boom of social media, mobile apps, and other advanced online technologies so it may not adequately address the privacy implications of these newer platforms and services, leaving gaps in protection for children.
CIPA mainly focuses on restricting access to harmful content in schools and libraries that receive federal funding. It requires these institutions to filter and monitor internet access to help protect minors from harmful or obscene images and material. CIPA also has limitations in its effectiveness. It primarily targets access to inappropriate content in schools and libraries. This potentially leaves children vulnerable to online risks outside of these environments. Additionally, content filtering may inadvertently restrict access to valuable educational resources. Content filtering technologies can also vary, this leading to both over blocking and under blocking of content.
Final Thoughts…..
As for whether CIPA and COPPA do enough to protect children, it's a complex issue. Just like any document or program, it has room for improvement. These laws provide important safeguards by requiring parental consent for the collection of personal information and by mandating internet filtering in schools and libraries. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on enforcement and ongoing updates for evolving online risks. Education plays a crucial role in a child's learning of how to navigate the digital world responsibly. It's clear that there's a need for ongoing evaluation and updating of existing legislation to keep pace with emerging threats and technological advancements. We need to find a balance between accessibility, privacy and safety. When creating updates, we need to have collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders, educators, and parents. It is essential to create a safer online environment for children.
Design, U. (2023, August 12). Parents and child avatar in Shield badge for online safety kids symbol. Kids Watch Safe Content on Internet. parental control outline flat solid icon vector illustration filled outline style EPS10. Vecteezy. https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/26960687-parents-and-child-avatar-in-shield-badge-for-online-safety-kids-symbol-kids-watch-safe-content-on-internet-parental-control-outline-flat-solid-icon-vector-illustration-filled-outline-style-eps10
Free design tool: Presentations, video, social media | CANVA. (n.d.). https://www.canva.com/
Staff in the Office of Technology. (2024, February 5). Federal Trade Commission. https://www.ftc.gov/
YouTube. (2014, November 3). E-rate and CIPA: Toolkit for teachers. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmO-Uw9_ta4
YouTube. (2019, July 6). Coppa Law: A basic introduction. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSUBql7uDSQ
YouTube. (2021, January 5). What is Soppa? an introduction to the student online personal protection act. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpp6amnsSmo
