Suzanne Garza Arevalo teaches responsible use of social media to 3rd graders in Alamo Heights ISD

Suzanne Arevalo says, "Give me 5 please," and in moments, her Cambridge Elementary students are giving her their full attention. She guides them through reading a problem together and all of the groups contribute verbally to a solution. Then each of the groups of 4 students type in their comments on their class Web site - they're blogging on their "web log."

Part of learning is sharing ideas, Ms. Arevalo maintains. She's teaching them the high-tech way to share their thoughts and activities. She wants her students to love learning and become productive citizens as they learn. By bringing technology closer to the students and sharing what they are doing through the class Web site, parents and friends can appreciate what they are learning as well.

Her students are going to need to have skills in using technology in their lives, so she wants them to know about social media and learn to use it responsibly. "As adults, we use technology as a tool for communication. I hope they will see technology as part of their lives." When they are blogging, she believes it is critical that they use their best thinking skills. Since blogging sometimes can be destructive, she encourages them to find a good way to use it.