Social Media in the Classroom

Submitted by MediaSmarts on 24 Oct 2013.

When I finished Grade 11 in June, I reflected on what I had learned in the past school year. I was taught how to solve quadratic equations, the origins of world religions and studied the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Oh and I know the legal requirements of marriage! But there was something I wasn’t taught. Scrolling down my Twitter timeline, it hit me – why was I never taught anything about social media?

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Social Networking

Gone in Sixty Seconds: The Sociology of Snapchat

Submitted by Matthew Johnson on 15 Oct 2013.

Snapchat, the mobile app that lets users send “self-destructing” photos, has the distinction of being the only digital tool that does not have a single redeeming feature. While the moral panic associated with blogs, cell phones, social networks and online games has largely faded in grudging recognition of their more positive uses (indeed, research shows that many parents have actually helped their children lie about their age register for Facebook accounts), Snapchat is seen as the Q-tip of the digital age: its sole function is to do the thing that you’re warned not to do on the box.

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Cell Phones and Texting, Internet & Mobile, Parents, Privacy, Social Networking

Whac-A-Mole: Keeping up with your kids’ apps and websites

Submitted by Andrea Tomkins on 15 Aug 2013.

I’ve already written about YouTube and Instagram, but today I wanted to share some information about four other popular sites and apps that are on my radar right now: Snapchat, Vine, Tumblr and ask.fm.

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Internet & Mobile, Parents, Social Networking

Social TV and Togetherness

Submitted by MediaSmarts on 11 Jun 2013.

Is technology drawing us closer together, or pulling us apart? When it comes to TV and digital media, the answer may well be “yes” to both.

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Social Networking, Television

Building your brand: Establishing a positive presence online

Like it or not, if you use the Internet you have an online identity. Some people call this your “brand.” What’s a brand? Think about a brand of soft drink, or computer, or jeans, or a band or a sports team. You probably have a certain idea about each one – what it’s like, who buys it, and so on.

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In a hashtag, darkly

Submitted by Matthew Johnson on 16 May 2013.

How #Ottawapiskat turned the tables on media coverage of native issues Over the last few months the Idle No More movement has succeeded in bringing Aboriginal issues to national attention. This has been due in no small part due to the movement’s use of Twitter, where #IdleNoMore was a Trending Topic in both Canada and worldwide.

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Indigenous, Digital Citizenship, Diversity in Media, Social Networking

Social Media Rules

Having a family agreement or set of ground rules for using social networks is a good idea. It’s a great way for parents and kids to work together on how to be safe, wise and responsible online. Here are some ideas:

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Building Your Online Brand

Submitted by Matthew Johnson on 05 Feb 2013.

Like it or not, if you use the Internet you have an online identity. Some people call this your “brand.” What’s a brand?

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Internet & Mobile, Social Networking

Body Image – The Internet and Video Games

Digital media such as the internet and video games have become increasingly important in the lives of children and youth. Even when young people are consuming other media, such as TV, music and movies, they are likely to be doing it through the internet. As well, nearly all the media they consume, from TV shows to toys, have Web pages, virtual worlds, video games or other digital spinoffs associated with them.

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