Why is the New York City Department of Education using Twitter when it is restricted for schools?  It is simply unfair.

It is reasonable to understand that the DOE doesn’t want students using social media in school, because the focus should be on academics, but the hypocrisy is sending a unclear message.

Reviewing the tweets under NYC Public Schools most pertain to sharing information about events that took place in schools, and announcements about when schools are in session and holidays.  There is nothing wrong with this, Twitter is being used as a medium to convey information.  

Ms. Reed, the WJPS parent coordinator said, “We use the school’s Twitter account to post updates, announcements, activities.”

At WJPS, Twitter was once used as a form of social media used for educational purposes.  The problem and question becomes when the DOE WiFi restricts access to this.

WJPS teacher Ms. Marks said she used “twitter for educational purposes… [to]have discussions with other schools.”

Additionally WJPS teacher Ms.Shields added, “I’m hoping in the future the DOE sees the value in allowing their students access to viewing social media platforms.”