Part 1: We see all around us health information. In commercials (do you still watch those??), public health campaigns, as as well social media. With the proliferation of social media, we may have greater exposure to health information. However, not all information that is shared is credible and accurate. It’s important that accurate information is shared by credible sources. Social media is increasingly being used by scientists, educators, and public health experts to disseminate evidence-based health information.
For this discussion board, I’d like you to explore health information and health education discussions posted on social media from health teachers, school nurses, or other school health educators. You may reference any social media such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook. Make sure to focus on accounts that are focused on sharing and discussing health education (not just an account from someone who happens to be a health education teacher or school nurse).
As you explore content posted by health teachers, school nurses, or other school health educators consider the following:
What seems to be a top priority for them based on the content they create & share?
How are they engaging with their audience (i.e., what seems to be their intent)? For example, are they seeking to educate a certain audience, seeking to connect & engage with other health educators, and/or advocate for certain issues they feel are important?
What are your thoughts about the quality of information that they share?
What are your thoughts about the quality of the content they create (e.g., style, formatting, appeal, accessibility, and how understandable you found the material)? You might also comment on the creator’s following & engagement if you deem it necessary.
If the educator/teacher/nurse shares the following information, please include it when discussing their post(s): their title, where they work, and what grade level(s).
Select 2-3 specific posts to provide (include as links or screenshots – depending on the content) as examples for your readers (me & your peers) to refer to as you share your thoughts.
Watch the short videos of educators found in Module 2 Learning Activities section.
Compare and contrast what you learned from your exploration of health teachers in social media and what you heard from the teachers in the videos
Describe how you could integrate what you heard, saw, and experienced from your exploration and videos into your own classroom to teach students about Life Skills, Stress Management, or Media Literacy Skills as described in the book. (be sure to use specific references and examples)
What is going to be your biggest challenge for teaching Life Skills, Stress Management, or Media Literacy Skills? What questions do you have about teaching these topics?