In today’s digital era, educators are continually looking for innovative ways to connect with their students and enhance learning experiences.
I recently read the article “Twitter Use and Its Effects on Student Perception of Instructor Credibility”. The paper examines how the contents of a college instructor’s Twitter feed and students’ own use of Twitter and opinions about instructors using Twitter impact student perceptions of the instructor’s credibility.
DeGroot, Jocelyn M., Young ,Valerie J., and Sarah H. and VanSlette. “Twitter Use and Its Effects on Student Perception of Instructor Credibility.” Communication Education 64, no. 4 (October 2, 2015): 419–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2015.1014386.
Interestingly, the study found that students perceived instructors as most credible when their Twitter feeds focused strictly on professional content. Blended feeds, that mixed professional and personal posts, ranked next in credibility, while social feeds scored the lowest. However, what stood out even more was that students who already had a positive view of instructors using Twitter were likely to rate all instructors as more credible, regardless of what kind of content they tweeted. In other words, student attitudes toward social media use played a powerful role in shaping their perceptions. Additionally, students who used Twitter more frequently themselves were especially likely to find the blended profiles more credible.
Although our younger learners might not be frequent social media users, the underlying principles of effective communication and credibility are universal. As an elementary teacher in a small town, these findings raise some thought provoking questions. While the original study focused on college students, the broader implications about professional presence and digital communication still resonate. In smaller communities, where teachers often wear multiple hats and are known, and seen, outside the classroom, the line between personal and professional can feel especially thin. Using social media platforms means that how we present ourselves online matters, perhaps even more so in a setting where our audience includes not just parents, but neighbours, colleagues, and community members. For those of us working in tight-knit environments, the challenge becomes balancing authenticity with professionalism while using social media in ways that enhance, rather than complicate, our credibility and relationships.
As an elementary math teacher, I can apply these ideas by embracing digital tools in ways that extend learning beyond the classroom. I’ve used classroom blogs and online newsletters to share math puzzles, interactive activities, or preview what’s coming up in class. By carefully curating professional content and mixing in mixing in personal enthusiasm, I can connect better with my students and hopefully make them feel more comfortable asking questions and taking risks when learning.
Moreover, using digital platforms effectively can help bridge the gap between home and school. When parents see that their child’s teacher is approachable they may be more likely to support at home learning at home.
As a teacher who ran into three different family groupings while running errands today, I am reminded that in a small town, I am always on duty. Whether I’m in the grocery store, at the local park, or scrolling through social media, I represent my classroom and my profession. Parents and students need to see me as professional, knowledgeable, and approachable no matter where I am. Whether I’m posting online, attending community events or simply going about my day. This kind of constant visibility is unique to educators in smaller communities where personal and professional spheres often overlap. It reinforces the importance of consistency in how we show up, both in real life and in digital spaces.
That doesn’t mean we need to be perfect. It means we need to be intentional. The way we communicate, what we choose to share, and how we engage with our students and families all contribute to the credibility and trust we build with families. For me, this has become part of how I model what it means to be a responsible digital citizen and a lifelong learner that recognizes that learning is everywhere.
Leave a Reply