Chicago Public Schools Social Media Toolkit

Reprinted from Chicago Public Schools Spotlight Webpage 

Social media – it's a mainstream tool in today's high-tech world. Facebook and Twitter are the preferred methods of communication for many within the Chicago Public Schools community, especially the district's tech-savvy students and parents.  In schools across the city and at the CPS Central Office, social media has been added to the list of tools that are used to connect with families and improve education.  As a result of this interest, CPS has created a new 'Social Media Toolkit' and instructional video series. This toolkit provides guidance for administrators, teachers, staff and the community when creating a social media presence for their school. There is also a handy worksheet/exercise and links to additional resources designed to help schools implement a social media presence at their school.

At Phillips Academy High School, students are learning how to use social media in a professional capacity. The students that are members of the "Behind the Paws" news crew use Twitter to make school announcements, share current events and promote their weekly television broadcast.  All social media activity is monitored by my co-worker Mr. Brown and I.

Phillips High School is also honored to be named a 'Social Media Trailblazer' in a new instructional video series produced by Chicago Public Schools!  The first video below focuses on social media etiquette and while the second video provides some instruction on how to effectively manage a school Twitter page.   

Enjoy!

February 6, 2013 - Digital Learning Day

February 6, 2013 is Digital Learning Day!  Digital Learning Day is a national campaign that celebrates teachers and shines a spotlight on successful instructional practice and effective use of technology in classrooms across the country.  This is Chicago Public School's second year participating in this nationwide initiative.   Here are four ways you can get your school involved:

#1. Show Digital Learning in Action at Your School! (Chicago Public Schools)
Record a short 1-2 minute YouTube video showing how digital learning  is being utilized at your school. Creativity is strongly encouraged! Submit your YouTube video to this form, http://
tinyurl.com/CPS-DLD13Form, for consideration on the CPS Digital Learning Day webpage.  Video
submissions are due by February 8th, 2013 at 5 PM.

#2. Meet Tech Talk 2013’s Ones to Watch!  (Chicago Public Schools)
Each year the Center for Digital Education helps CPS put on TechTalk, a one day conference dedicated to engaging staff in conversations around educational technology.  Learn about CPS TechTalk’s Ones To Watch 2013 and the excellent work they do daily in the district.  2013’s Ones to Watch Winners (Announced after February 1st, 2013)  For a list and bio of TechTalk 2012’s Ones to Watch Winners: http://cpstechtalk.blogspot.com/p/ones-to-watch-tech-leader-award.html

#3.  A Special Message from Jonathan Scott!
Chicago Bears player Jonathan Scott (#79, Tackle) has a special message for CPS about Digital
Learning Day 2013. Please visit http://vimeo.com/57653483  to view what he has to say.

#4. Join the National Conversation!
The Alliance for Excellent Education will be putting on a Digital Learning Town Hall Simulcast on
February 6th, 2013 from 12-1:30 PM.  This online event will celebrate dignitaries, policymakers,
and education leaders from around the country.  Visit http://digitallearningday.eventbrite.com/ to
sign up.

Last year, I submitted the video below for consideration for the CPS Digital Learning Day.  I didn't exactly follow the directions (LOL!) but I was pleasantly surprised that a couple of clips from my school were actually included in the district's compilation video (2nd video).

@The Phillips Library from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Remember! Celebrate! Act!

Mr Brown and I are so proud of our students who are members of the "Behind the Paws" students news group.  Last week they really worked hard to shoot and appear in their own Dr. King holiday message.  This video is posted on the school's website for all to see.  They did a wonderful job and I think you will agree after viewing the video.  Additional Dr. King Holiday resources including a slideshow from my trip to his memorial can be found on the Phillips Library Wiki at - http://wphillipslibrary.wikispaces.com/Special+Library+Programs+and+Events

The King Holiday 2013:  Remember!  Celebrate! Act!

Dr Martin Luther King Jr Holiday Message from AUSL Wendell Phillips Academy High School - 1080p from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

So Proud!

My students continue to make me proud.  Their on-camera presence and interviewing skills continues to get better with each day.  Their camera and production work is wonderful is very precise and on point.

We needed a tele-prompter and Ariel and Kaylan created their own.

The students are looking for interesting news stories to Tweet using the
ABC and  CNN iPad app. All Tweets are posted on the Behind the Paws Twitter page @PhillipsHSBTP.

The students are interviewing Mr. Brown, Phillips High
School's Refocus Room Manager and Bowling  Coach