I absolutely recognize the value of utilizing social media to build our brand and connect with community/industry/parents/students/alumni. What I worry about and struggle with is the perception of every facebook page, blog, twitter feed, and wiki page that gets created has with our stakeholders. Evert word on every page of social media is a direct reflection on my campus and ultimately me (as principal) regardless of who wrote it. We are talking about staff who are representing their building with every stroke of the keyboard. I'm not quite to that level of comfort yet to allow that to happen.
I would prefer to be a technology leader by modeling the appropriate use of social media prior to opening that door to staff. There would be a professional development installation plan centered around the Pillars of Digital Leadership and NETS-A.
The NETS-A seems to be a logical and specific document to help guide administrators and instructors as they navigate the transition into utilizing social media to inform stakeholders of key information. This could be anything from field trip info to testing tips to athletic results.
When classrooms can parallel the increased responsible use of technology expected in the workplace, we better prepares our students for 21st century jobs. These are jobs that will expect a greater level of technological competence than ever before. This means more than just the ability to "google" something.
I would imagine that building a brand is even more important in your position at the Skills Center. It is an amazing and unique place that is relatively new on the scene. You and your admin team are in prime "brand building" time.
ReplyDeletePrimeTime...was he ever a Raider?
DeleteIt was an interesting perspective to be on the TCTW site visit team prior to being hired. Even with my unfamiliarity, I could tell there was a disconnect happening between the value and intent of PCSC and the stakeholders. We have worked very hard to change the perspective of our campus. I felt very validated this past week when I received an email from the owner of a local machine shop who was looking for an entry level employee and had heard good things about our program.
DeleteNo Dr. Malone, Prime Time was never a Raider and thus left the NFL with a dream unfilled. He played for Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington, and Baltimore.
DeleteYes! Following my reading tonight, the idea of Brand You and how it can impact our professional growth really resonates. Thomas your idea of how social media has the power to reach all is so true! Now more than ever we need to be very aware of everything we post in social media as it pertains to our buildings.
ReplyDeleteThe awareness piece is the campaign we should all be waging. A perfect example of this is a young lady in one of our programs who was fired from her job for a pic she posted on twitter. Talk about unintended consequences.
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