"It is actually possible to use Pinterest for useful tasks, though it may not seem so at first glance. Here's how."

"Twitter is real. The connections that are forged by communicating, sharing and learning together as teachers are real. Twitter is real. Twitter as a platform to bring educators from around the world together to string their learning and conversations together."

From Guy Kawasaki: "Following me on social media means that you are drinking from a fire hose. I subscribe to the "more is more" philosophy of social-media-meaning that I share approximately ten to fifty posts everyday to provide a constant flow of information, analysis, education, and assistance to my followers."

"Digital collections marketing is an important, yet often ignored aspect of digital collection management. While many collections are laudable for the quality of their pictures, metadata, and preservation techniques, they often remain obscure, unknown, and therefore inaccessible to their intended user populations. One of the ways digital librarians can cultivate a broader awareness of their collections is through social networking. More importantly, digital librarians who participate in conversations with users through the use of social media become inextricably intertwined with the knowledge creation processes relevant to their collections. This paper presents a set of five general principles (listening, participation, transparency, policy, and strategy) that provide digital librarians with straightforward, concrete strategies for successfully integrating social media into a digital library's overall strategic plan. In addition to these concrete strategies, I also explain the theoretical importance of each principle and its relevance for establishing a rapport with current and potential users of a digital collection."

Describes how social media can support learning and argues that restrictive social media policies should be re-thought. Suggests making a distinction between policies (what is specifically allowed and not allowed) and guidelines (recommendations for best practice). References specific US legislation and education standards but the proposed framework for guidelines has general relevance with learning and behaviour the focus, not technology and tools.

An example of an actual policy, this is clearly written, in accessible language, and there is support for the use of online communities with students for educational purposes if the explicit procedures and expectations are followed. The policy for the personal use of social media clearly outlines what is and is not acceptable and there is excellent practical advice for teachers to consider in order to maintain professional standards. My only question is has this been reviewed? It is dated February 2011 with a review date of March 2012 but this is the only version available (from CEO Sydney website) as of January 2015.

In a pilot study the author found the approach to social media access for school students and teachers differed according to sector. State schools had a "walled garden" approach while independent schools "empowered and managed". The differences were attributable to either risk aversion or bandwidth management or both. This was found to contribute to the digital divide between "information-rich and information-poor" with state students disadvantaged in the development of digital literacy.

In this concise four page guide (produced by Edutopia in collaboration with Facebook) educator and author Steven Anderson (@web20classroom) provides a very practical, step-by-step guide to developing a school social media policy. The seven steps start with "Examine your school culture" and conclude with "Review periodically". Each step includes reflection questions (for example "What are the fears around social media in school?" and "Does everyone on the team share the same goal?") and/or links to further resources as appropriate.

"Schools have always been charged with the task of producing good citizens. But how has our definition of a "good citizen" changed over the ages?"

"Here, there and bloody everywhere! It may only be four criss-crossing lines but the # has invaded our daily lives and hijacked the way we communicate. But how did it come to dominate global digital culture? Ollie Peart dares to find out "

From Med Kharbach: The potential of social networking sites in education is huge and we need to capitalize on it to enhance our professional development and consequently improve the quality of our instruction. Searching for articles on this topic , I came across Doug Johnson's post on the 10 social media competencies for teachers. I like the competencies Doug included and decided to make an infographic featuring all of these skills. Have a look and share with your colleagues.