Using your #socialmedia presence for good...

Nobody cares what I have to say.

I don't have that many people following me, so what's the point?

My thoughts aren't unique... somebody has already said it.

I'm too late to the party. There's no point in starting now.

And my favorite... I don't have time to do that kind of stuff.


So here's the deal... social media, whether it's Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Vine, Pinterest, YouTube, or any other social media platform, they are here to stay. Albeit they might be different in 10 years, but something will be in their place. This fad isn't really a fad.

But...

Far too often these above statements are still the norm rather than the exception. Most educators are actively involved in some form of social media, however, many aren't utilizing or harnessing the power of social media for 'good.'

Now, before you get all defensive about your social media use, let me explain what I mean by 'good.'

By 'good' I mean using these tools to share and connect with other educators with the intent of enhancing one's craft in the educational setting with a focus on increasing student learning.

Hopefully this definition has calmed you a bit and you are nodding your head in agreement.

The reality is it doesn't matter if you have one follower or a million, you have an audience and when you have an audience there's room for networking and connecting.

It doesn't matter if somebody has already said it or already done it... there are many others who haven't yet and they are just waiting for someone to repeat it so they can jump on the bandwagon.

And, if you think you don't have time, then ask yourself how could you not have time? How could you not have time to be more efficient and streamlined in your work? How could having educators from all over the world who've already created the wheel not save you time when you haven't even started?

In closing, embrace social media as the powerful tool that it is... and figure out ways to use this tool for good, because there's a whole lot of good out there and your voice will only strengthen and enrich what already exists.