Education: Social Media Resources

Alltop
Postings and articles from the "top" news sites and blogs, for Education search under "Other"

Blog Search Engine

Complete Guide to Twitter Hashtags for Education

Education Week: Blogs

Pros and Cons of Controversial Issues
Includes both sides of 52 issues, 6 directly related to education.  Articles are thoroughly referenced to social media and other resources.

Teach 100
Daily ranking of education blogs

The Network for Public Education: Grassroots Education Network
Reports of grassroots activities across the country

Source: Who is providing the information, and the funding?  

Motivation: Why have they created this organization?  Is it to inform or persuade?  Who are the Board members? 

Evidence: What types of supporting evidence? Where did they get their data and information? Are sources cited?

Logic: Can you follow the train of thought?  Does the evidence support the information presented. Are they committing logical fallacies?

Left Out: What's missing?

Year: Is the organization's site regularly updated?

In general, social media cites can be cited as a web page.   The APA offers further assistance on citing social media posts.

APA Style Guide to Electronic References

How to Cite Social Media in APA Style 

See Citing and Evaluating Sources page for more information

  When searching for sources and/or choosing sources for your paper here are some things to keep in mind:

• Authority: What are the authors' qualification? Are they writing in their field of expertise? Who is the publisher or sponsor of the organization or website?  Can the information on the "About Us" pages be verified? Are the postings signed?
  • Look for: "Profile," About Us" links
• Objectivity: Are there signs of bias and/or subjectivity? What is the purpose, to inform or pursuade? Are alternative or opposing views or arguments represented? Are there major donors or are funding sources identified?
  • Look for: "Mission," "About Us,"  "Profile," "History" links
• Accuracy: Are the arguments or assertions believable?  Are they backed up with credible evidence and citations?
  Look for: "Comments" on social media sites
• Intended Audience: Is the content directed at a particular targeted audience (general public, practicitioners, scholars)? What is the complexity of the language and vocabulary?
• Currency: Is the site regularly updated and does it present current relevant information?
• In General: Does the infomation provided answer your question or back up your thesis?  Does it raise other relevant questions?