How to address violence in the news with your kids.
TOP PICKS | 23 TOOLS
Social Networks for Students and Teachers
Top Picks
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For Students
The Wonderment
Ambitious global community aims for public good through student engagement
Bottom line: A powerful, improving social network for exploring the world and effecting positive change.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Free
DIY
Design, build, and share new things offline and online
Bottom line: DIY motivates kids to tackle a wide range of problems with independent and scientific thinking.
Grades: 3–8
Price: Free to try
Edublogs
Encourage student expression and maintain digital portfolios with easy-to-use blog creator
Bottom line: Edublogs is a fantastic platform for any teacher committed to providing consistent opportunities for creation and reflection.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free, Paid
Project Noah
Engaging online community for relevant, hands-on science fieldwork
Bottom line: Project Noah is a free and easy way to take part in biodiversity research with the support of a knowledgeable and global community.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
LitPick
YA review site gives students a real-world, although ad-driven, outlet
Bottom line: LitPick is a decent place for YA lovers to discover and discuss books, but the site is in need of a refresh and features a lot of promotion/ads.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
DiGii Social
Unique platform acts as social media training wheels for students
Bottom line: If students take to it and teachers can support it, DiGii Social can level up digital citizenship awareness in a safe yet authentic context.
Grades: 5–6
Price: Paid
Youth Voices
Aging online community hosts authentic student writing
Bottom line: With some patience and understanding, this could be a good space for supporting healthy student expression.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Goodreads
Lively community for bookworms to share their love of lit
Bottom line: Using Goodreads can enhance teens' reading experience and help them become thoughtful, enthusiastic readers.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free
Teen Ink
Get kids writing, publishing, critiquing in this valuable network
Bottom line: Teens will find a wealth of information and many opportunities to further interest in writing and the creative arts.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free
My Experiment
Collaborative scientific social network best for advanced HS students
Bottom line: While not for everyone, this resource can be useful for advanced students conducting their own scientific research.
Grades: 11–12
Price: Free
For Students and Teachers
Skype
Live video communication has potential to open lots of doors
Bottom line: With a bit of work and a measure of patience, Skype can be an excellent classroom tool to expand students' horizons.
Grades: 1–12
Price: Free
Edmodo
Manage classes, content, and communication with social LMS platform
Bottom line: This free platform allows for teacher-monitored classroom communication with basic tools.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free
Microsoft Teams
Collaborative LMS platform helps manage classes, groups, and projects
Bottom line: Educators will likely find that the wide variety of features Teams offers is worth the time it takes to learn how to use it.
Grades: 5–12
Price: Free, Paid
Google Hangouts
Communication, learning, and fun converge nicely in Google's slick platform
Bottom line: It runs like a dream, works on all devices, and can be used in so many ways to enhance interactive learning.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Diigo
Social bookmarking encourages discovery, collaboration, and sharing
Bottom line: With a Diigo educator account, teachers and students have a safe space to organize, customize, and share Web content while learning about a variety of subjects.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free, Paid
The Harry Potter Alliance
Fan site promotes real-world heroics with activism for social justice
Bottom line: A fun, empowering community for Potter fans who want to talk Hogwarts and make the world a better place while they're at it.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Stellar photo app promotes sharing, creativity but has risks
Bottom line: An absorbing, endless gallery of images that's fun to browse but tricky for classroom use due to privacy and content concerns.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Snapchat
Playful, social, and creative social network requires thoughtful use
Bottom line: A super-fun social media tool, but privacy issues may outweigh its classroom appeal.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
GroupTweet
Simple and safe way to use Twitter with your students
Bottom line: A great way to use social media in school without compromising student safety.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free to try, Paid
Great for some college-bound kids; too much pressure for others
Bottom line: While it offers resources for kids headed to college, it's hard to envision them actually wanting a LinkedIn profile.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free, Paid
Visually appealing, endlessly creative gallery of images and ideas
Bottom line: An effective way to search for new ideas and save them for later use, but keep an eye on the source -- and on your watch.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
Smart classroom tool if used with care; priceless for PLNs
Bottom line: Twitter offers something for everyone: information, resources, and an easy way to connect with just about anyone.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
Discord
Social hub offers a novel but tricky spin on classroom communication
Bottom line: With some creativity and moderation, this student-loved messaging alternative to Google and Microsoft could be a key extension of your classroom.
Grades: 10–12
Price: Free
