Reading Reflection #8

Technology has opened up a whole new world of communication, what started with Email and instant messengers such as AIM and MSN messenger has grown into Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat... the list goes on and on! People able to communicate anything from life changing epiphanies and social commentary to the mundane details of every day life. Our ability to communicate has opened a whole new world of being able to share with others without being face to face. For some people, such as special needs children that lack the ability to make eye contact or speak clearly (or for some, at all), it allows them to have an outlet in which they can express to themselves to others without having to worry about the usual issues that may impede their social integration with others. 

I, myself, have gotten to know a few of my students through their youtube channels. I've been involved with students have trouble speaking to others due to shyness or even autism. This lack of verbal communication sometimes gives others the impression that they are not interested or engaged when in reality, seeing their youtube channel reveals that there is way more then we see. I saw that not only are their practicing their skills at home, but they are using social meeting to contact with others in sharing new skills and admiring the work of others. 

However, like with all children, social media can be a double edged sword. Social media is like inviting people into your home, accept there can be a level of anonymity. This anonymity can make these children susceptible to cyber bullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. For this reason, I wanted to share the article I found on NPR, which gives a good guideline for special needs parents and teachers for social media. 

http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/04/07/473085222/what-special-ed-teachers-and-parents-need-to-know-about-social-media?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

As many of you may notice, the guidelines here are not only good for special needs children, but all children. All children should be well versed in online safe and responsibility to ensure that online interactions are safe, productive, and enriching. Setting rules and boundaries teaches children about responsible internet use as well as time management.  And finally, all parents and teachers should be alert and monitoring a child's social media use to make sure it is being used responsibly and safely.