New data released this month suggests that online social networks will kill the school newsletter. All the information that is currently available suggests that Facebook, MySpace and Twitter will be the communication tools of choice during the new-millennium for well-connected schools. Denis Maseni, the Director of Sponsor-ed certainly supported this view during his presentation at VITTA09 Conference. Denis highlighted the need for schools to engage modern technologies as part of their communication strategy if they wish to maintain a connection with their parents.
Facebook usage data gives us the strongest indicator yet that the printed school newsletter will go the way of the Tasmanian Tiger. Australia now boasts 7,176,640 Facebook users (source: CheckFacebook.com) which is approximately one in every three Aussies. This reflects the latest figures which indicate that Facebook grew by 32% during 08/09 and is the most used social network in Australia. According to a recent Fairfax Digital report:
- Facebook accounts for 29% of all time spent online by Australians (WOW! ONE-THIRD OF ALL INTERNET USAGE IN AUSTRALIA!!!)
- In October, Australian users spent 27.2 hours online – 7.55 of which were spent on Facebook,
- In the same month, Australian users uploaded 80 million pictures, wrote 32 million ‘wall posts’ and 45 million ‘status updates’ to Facebook.
- Australia also leads the world in time spent on social media sites.
Most importantly, the perception that Facebook is only for young people is wildly inaccurate. In fact the ‘over 25′ demographic is now larger than the ‘under 25′ demographic.
All this opens a raft of new options for educators. If we consider the primary parent demographic to be between the years of 25 and 55 years old, then we can see that they represent approximately 50% of the current Facebook users. Most significantly, 70% of ALL mothers are using modern technology to connect with their family and friends. The Telstra State of the Nation report also shows that 60% of mothers use Facebook. That is a large and powerful network of parents and educators/schools have a responsibility to ensure that they are using social networking sites to keep in contact with their parents.
If you want to venture into this realm it is best to do so with open eyes. Schools should have a look at some of the strategies listed here.
You may like to check out some of the schools that have already used social networks to see how they are using them as powerful communication tools:
Facebook:
Fairfax County Public Schools – http://www.facebook.com/fcpsva
Florida Virtual School – http://www.facebook.com/FloridaVirtualSchool?ref=ts
Twitter:
Bounty Boulevard State Schhol, Queensland- http://twitter.com/bountyblvdss
Eagle Rock School, Colorado – http://twitter.com/EagleRockSchool
Westlake High School, Texas – http://twitter.com/WHSChaps
3 comments ↓
I’ve been wondering for a while now about the potential of Facebook and Twitter for schools. As pointed out in your post, these really are the logical ‘next steps’ in school communication with the wider school community. It will be interesting to see how different schools use these tools (and how effectively they use them).
Hi
Interesting article and a good discussion to have!
Firstly, I am an active user of Facebook. It is great. However, I am not sure if using Facebook to replace the newsletter is the right “fit”.
Facebook is a social network which offers many features, however, this means that it is also complicated and less targeted – they are not building features specifically for the requirements of schools. Also, there are competing social networks like Linked In. Should a school force a parent to join their social network of choice?
I would think that a more open solution (that could perhaps be integrated with a Facebook Page or Group if the school wanted) would better suit Australian schools.
Cheers
Ryan
Also, unfortunately, the NSW DET blocks both Twitter and Facebook.
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