YouTube in the Classroom? Dobbs Ferry to Discuss

Most kids are practically glued to their devices these days and the Dobbs Ferry school district is looking for ways to funnel students' enthusiasm and knowledge of technology and social media into productivity in the classroom.

A work session discussion with the board of education Thursday, June 20 (at 7 p.m.) will be all about how social media and technological tools can "help enrich teaching, learning and communication," according to a memo from Superintendent Lisa Brady.

"While we want to keep up with the technology 'wave' as it greatly benefits instructional opportunities and student learning, it is essential that parents partner with the schools to create a safe technology environment in order to support 21st Century teaching and learning," she explained. "Presently, the District, the administrators and a number of teachers in each school are using Twitter and Facebook in addition to working with Edmodo, Skype and other technology tools. Down the road, the District will also be exploring the addition of social media technologies such as a You Tube channel, a website mobile app and encouraging students to blog as well as post their work for authentic audiences."

Brady said the work session will be driven by community members' questions (email her this week with your thoughts at bradyl@dfufsd.org) and will be centered around the idea of embracing technology and social media and making it more accessible to Dobbs Ferry students.

"The Board of Education work session should be an informative evening and we hope you can sit in on the discussion," she said.