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Social Media Placards
are everywhere! |
There are many examples of social media use that schools can learn from. One excellent instance is the
Martime Aquarium in Norwalk Ct. I am especially impressed by the scope of their social media reach. Embracing and maintaining a social presence takes planning, thought, engagement and most of all interesting activities.
Make It Visual!
When people are inspired to share something, I find that often they are compelled by something they see. That is part of the power of the smartphone, capturing a special moment is easy and fun. Everywhere you look while at the aquarium there are exhibits that people
want to share. This can be accomplished in schools too! Examples could be found everywhere and don't need to be confined to completed student work. For foodies, pictures of whats for lunch, or sports aficionados shots of recess.
Build Anticipation
Looking forward to an event is a great way to build a following and get people to return. Focused hashtags like #tweetkeet expand an events reach thus getting more involvement. There are already great examples of this in schools, my favorite to see is by
+Tony Sinanis in his school district. Using models such as the one shown below, schools could build more student involvement in field days, concerts, plays, etc. It is
wonderful that we as adults are sharing and promoting the great work that our students are doing, but wouldn't it be wonderful if the students themselves were doing the sharing?
Staying Involved
Just like any business social media plan, schools need a team of people dedicated to constantly posting and possibly more importantly
responding to compliments as well as questions and concerns. Today's students as well as there parents and guardians deserve schools that provide this form of communication. Looking at successful examples from outside the realm of education helps us to see what is possible. I'm fascinated in the next step and progression of where this can go when students begin to take ownership of these social media streams in an interesting and responsible manner.
