After a long day of classes, instead of getting out her notes to begin homework, Jackie Kuntz, sophomore gets out her phone. Jason Evans, Kuntz’s World History teacher uses Twitter to share articles online with his students.

According to Dr. Michael Havener, principal, social media is used as a tool and students and teachers should not be afraid to use it as a platform for distributing information. When used responsibly, Havener regards social media as a beneficial way to communicate.

“I use social media, specifically Twitter, for enhancing the educational experience in class,” Evans said. “I encourage students to get a Twitter account if they don’t have a Twitter account, and to be on Twitter so we can share articles.”

Kuntz said Twitter is another thing to keep track of, but it serves it’s purpose well. She said she uses it about once a week for homework.

“I like [Twitter] better than Ebackpack and Google Classroom,” Kuntz said. “It’s way easier to navigate.”

Havener said using social media for educational purposes, as long as everything is public, does not break KSD policy. In order for a teacher to get in trouble they would have to talk to students on an individual basis or discuss something non-educational over social media he said.

Evans said social media is used by the majority of his students and is a great way for students to interact with his class on their own time. According to Evans, using Twitter is more convenient than emailing, because it is easier to check.

“We create this sort of classroom on social media where students can ask questions, not just of me but of other students, of upcoming assessments, things they noticed about world history or economics,” Evans said. “That’s what it’s for, it’s this forum for everyone.”

According to Evans, most of his students have access to social media. He said it only enhances students’ experience in his class, but they have the choice to not be involved.

Evans also recognizes there are some negative aspects to social media. Recently, a KSD teacher was suspended due to an inappropriate interaction with a student over social media, according to an email sent to parents and staff. Weeks later an email was sent to parents saying the teacher had been replaced.

“I don’t think social media is ever going to go away,” Kuntz said. “I think from here on out there will always be a way for teachers and students to communicate outside of class.”