Valuing Teachers' Diverse Attitudes to and use of Social Media
Abstract: This paper presents the results of a survey of 200 UK teachers’ reported use and attitudes towards social media, in particular in relation to educational purposes. Like those in society more generally, teachers were divided in their use social media, with our data suggesting 4 groups of user: 'Enthusiasts' (3% of the sample); More 'cautious users/engagers' (35%); A diverse group considered tentatively as 'sceptics' (32%); A group classified, from focus group discussions, as 'conscious luddites' (30%). Teachers’ personal and professional uses of social media are closely related but not in a simple relationship. Not all users see social media as part of their professional work. Not all users are comfortable using social media with their students. Not all teachers see a potential for social media to contribute to their professional learning and teachers express concerns. This paper considers the implications of this situation for the development of social media for educational purposes.