What do you think?
Rate this book
Social LEADia: Moving Students from Digital Citizenship to Digital Leadership
Equipping students for their future begins by helping them become digital leaders now. In our networked society, students need to learn how to leverage social media to connect to people, passions, and opportunities to grow and make a difference. Social LEADia offers insight and engaging stories to help you shift the focus at school and at home from digital citizenship to digital leadership.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2017
34 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Casa-Todd
9 books11 followersJennifer Casa-Todd is wife, mom, and a Teacher-Librarian in Ontario Canada, a former Literacy Consultant, and the author of the book, Social LEADia. She is passionate about showing teachers and students how they can use technology and social media to make the world a better place.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 18, 2019
Great conversation starter on digital citizenship
This is a great book for those of us ready to invest in our future and embrace technology as a tool to bring change!
This is a great book for those of us ready to invest in our future and embrace technology as a tool to bring change!
August 6, 2018
Jennifer Casa-Todd's Social Leadia is a great professional book for educators. It serves as a timely reminder of the importance of embracing social media tools in education and being a guide to students to learn to use the tools in empathetic, kind, and productive ways. As a teacher-librarian, I also appreciated the inclusion of many educational tenants important to my job, such as inquiry- and project-based learning. Casa-Todd touches on many more topics than just digital citizenship/leadership and her passion for education and empowering youth shines strong throughout.
I think Social Leadia is most relevant for classroom teachers in middle and high school, as well as teacher-librarians in those settings. Classroom teachers in elementary schools will also be able to glean some relevant information, but as a TL in elementary school, I found a lot of the information wasn't highly applicable to me. The text is a touch long for her message and the later chapters felt repetitive, but at the same time, the message is very important.
3.5/5 stars
I think Social Leadia is most relevant for classroom teachers in middle and high school, as well as teacher-librarians in those settings. Classroom teachers in elementary schools will also be able to glean some relevant information, but as a TL in elementary school, I found a lot of the information wasn't highly applicable to me. The text is a touch long for her message and the later chapters felt repetitive, but at the same time, the message is very important.
3.5/5 stars
June 8, 2018
One of the best professional development books I have read in my 22 years of teaching. I marked up the pages, added Post-It notes, & scribbled ideas in the margins. I loved how Jennifer Casa-Todd emphasized how important it is for us to teach students to use technology (especially social media) in positive ways. Anybody who is teaching in a classroom today should read this book.
May 26, 2018
This book was part of a great statewide educator book study I participated in. The author has several important ideas. The two I most appreciated is on switching the focus to the positive with social media use and talking to kids about how to move beyond being digital citizens to also becoming digital leaders.
February 10, 2018
This book was amazing! It holds inside a treasure chest full of ideas on how to begin empowering students with social media and how to motivate the learning community on how to accept it. Jennifer CasaTodd is so talented and is a great voice when it comes to giving voice inside of the classroom.
July 20, 2017
An excellent look at how educators can engage students in leadership opportunities, with lots of outstanding profiles of students doing amazing things.
December 30, 2017
Fabulous! Great examples of how Social Media can be leveraged by students and teachers. She practices what she preaches and gives great advice for teaching digital citizenship and leadership.
March 30, 2018
Social Leading
I liked how this book talks about how social media can be positive. I like the suggestions for the classroom.
I liked how this book talks about how social media can be positive. I like the suggestions for the classroom.
December 31, 2020
Excellent read for educators. I can't wait to incorporate these concepts in my 6th grade classes next year. I love how this book clearly outlines what digital leadership looks like.
July 23, 2019
Making the Case for Social Media in Schools.
I am not a very active user of social media, but I have nothing against it per se. It is just that “it’s not me” and I do not appreciate some of the prevalent practices and trends on social media. Having said that, I still believe that social media can play a very positive role in connecting people together and helping them fulfill their potential.
“Social LEADia” by Jennifer Casa-Todd is a timely book for all parents, teachers and educators who are struggling with how to deal with social media in schools. It makes a strong case for introducing social media to schools and demonstrates it with real life examples of students who achieved social media leadership that most students can achieve if properly guided by parents and teachers. As one of the students stated in the book: “Social media is like water. It is everywhere. You can either let us drown or teach us to swim.”
As for those who only see the negatives of social media, here is Jennifer’s message to them: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses… Any social media tool can be used to lift someone up or tear them down — it isn’t the tool, but the tool’s user, that makes the difference.”
Jennifer does not take the position that social media is all good: “Now, this isn’t to say students will never encounter negative or uncomfortable situations while using, creating, and sharing content via social media.” But she makes the point that “it’s better for these encounters to take place in the context of the classroom, so we can help our students deal with them, rather than flounder when they are on their own… If we take the right approach and show students how to interact in meaningful, positive ways, the good far outweighs the negative and we can change the trajectory of future generations’ social media interactions.”
As for schools and teachers who adopt strict policies about technology usage in the classroom, here is what Jennifer says to them: “Are we truly protecting students or are we, in fact, deluding ourselves and avoiding the problem because kids are smart and can get around anything if and when they want to?" Then Jenifer makes a strong argument against controlling the technology students are allowed to bring into the classroom: “With the Internet of Things becoming a reality, will we soon be asking students to check their Internet-enabled watches, glasses, and shirts at the door before they come into the classroom? Of course not. We need to be proactive now, while we can still see the devices students are using to connect to others.”
Jennifer is aware that when students have their cellphones in class, they might not be able to resist the temptation to check their status or friends’ posts with all the interruption this might cause. But Jennifer sees in that “an exceptional opportunity to teach students self-regulation and to actually unpack and discuss these behaviors as they occur, rather than out of context, which has little to no effect.”
The author ends her book with some eye-opening questions and thoughts: “We already know what it’s like not to embrace social media in school. It’s time for a different approach… Will you stand still and not choose a road, instead opting to shake your head and bemoan the woes of living in a digital age, citing privacy issues and big data, hoping everything will resolve itself or that, miraculously, social media will simply go away? Will you continue to embark upon the road well traveled?”
Jennifer advises that it is about time to try the road less traveled: “It is the one that the teachers and students featured in this book have traveled, and continue to travel. It is the one where we think differently and act differently when it comes to leveraging the potential of social media. The next generation of changemakers is leading this road with positivity, creativity, and hope.”
Nizar Nakfoor
I am not a very active user of social media, but I have nothing against it per se. It is just that “it’s not me” and I do not appreciate some of the prevalent practices and trends on social media. Having said that, I still believe that social media can play a very positive role in connecting people together and helping them fulfill their potential.
“Social LEADia” by Jennifer Casa-Todd is a timely book for all parents, teachers and educators who are struggling with how to deal with social media in schools. It makes a strong case for introducing social media to schools and demonstrates it with real life examples of students who achieved social media leadership that most students can achieve if properly guided by parents and teachers. As one of the students stated in the book: “Social media is like water. It is everywhere. You can either let us drown or teach us to swim.”
As for those who only see the negatives of social media, here is Jennifer’s message to them: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses… Any social media tool can be used to lift someone up or tear them down — it isn’t the tool, but the tool’s user, that makes the difference.”
Jennifer does not take the position that social media is all good: “Now, this isn’t to say students will never encounter negative or uncomfortable situations while using, creating, and sharing content via social media.” But she makes the point that “it’s better for these encounters to take place in the context of the classroom, so we can help our students deal with them, rather than flounder when they are on their own… If we take the right approach and show students how to interact in meaningful, positive ways, the good far outweighs the negative and we can change the trajectory of future generations’ social media interactions.”
As for schools and teachers who adopt strict policies about technology usage in the classroom, here is what Jennifer says to them: “Are we truly protecting students or are we, in fact, deluding ourselves and avoiding the problem because kids are smart and can get around anything if and when they want to?" Then Jenifer makes a strong argument against controlling the technology students are allowed to bring into the classroom: “With the Internet of Things becoming a reality, will we soon be asking students to check their Internet-enabled watches, glasses, and shirts at the door before they come into the classroom? Of course not. We need to be proactive now, while we can still see the devices students are using to connect to others.”
Jennifer is aware that when students have their cellphones in class, they might not be able to resist the temptation to check their status or friends’ posts with all the interruption this might cause. But Jennifer sees in that “an exceptional opportunity to teach students self-regulation and to actually unpack and discuss these behaviors as they occur, rather than out of context, which has little to no effect.”
The author ends her book with some eye-opening questions and thoughts: “We already know what it’s like not to embrace social media in school. It’s time for a different approach… Will you stand still and not choose a road, instead opting to shake your head and bemoan the woes of living in a digital age, citing privacy issues and big data, hoping everything will resolve itself or that, miraculously, social media will simply go away? Will you continue to embark upon the road well traveled?”
Jennifer advises that it is about time to try the road less traveled: “It is the one that the teachers and students featured in this book have traveled, and continue to travel. It is the one where we think differently and act differently when it comes to leveraging the potential of social media. The next generation of changemakers is leading this road with positivity, creativity, and hope.”
Nizar Nakfoor
June 25, 2017
Social LEADia is a MUST READ for Educators! In this inspiring book, Jennifer Casa-Todd shares powerful examples of young people engaging with social media using a variety of platforms and tools to make a positive difference in their schools, communities and sometimes the world! Casa-Todd says "When we offer students the opportunity to be digital leaders in school, we help them develop the skills they need to become active citizens in their world, one that is increasingly digital and connected". Whether you have a lot or little experience with technology or social media, this book will help you get started and it will give plenty of ideas of how you can use platforms such as Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, etc. to get your students engaged in meaningful projects and share their voices with the world. Learn how to use social media to ignite student passion so they can use it in positive ways. Jennifer Casa-Todd says "Because when students explore their passion for helping, when they stop thinking about themselves and start thinking of others, they feel better about themselves. In addition, they have an opportunity to test their voices and power to see how they can create a better world". So, if you are an educator, you MUST READ this inspiring book!
July 19, 2019
While I think this book may be a little too optimistic about engaging students in a positive and productive manner using social media in the classroom, it gave me SO many ideas for activities and lessons. There are seemingly endless resources and tools discussed in this book which I am just beginning to tap in to. I plan on incorporating technology and social media more fluently and regularly into my classroom because of this book. Also, it has inspired me to become more active online as a means to make connections while gaining inspiration, support, and guidance from other educators. Overall, I would say reading this book helped me grow as a teacher.
January 9, 2019
One thing this book will do is make you think. It made me think about my own way of approaching technology in school, but even more with my own children. It is full of examples and ways to move in the direction of empowering teachers and students to use social media toward making a difference. One of the lines early in the book (p85) resonated with me and still holds true throughout the book; "are we giving students what they need or what we think they need?" I hope to keep this in my mind as I collaborate with staff and students.
July 2, 2017
This is one of the best professional development books I have ever read. I took notes, dog eared pages and am ready to re-read. Jennifer Casa-Todd advocates for allowing students to use their devices and social media, and using technology to make the world a better place. Social LEADia is about educating students by tapping in to passions and interests and giving student the skills to be digital leaders.
A must-read for educators today!
A must-read for educators today!
July 3, 2017
This is one of the best professional development books I have ever read. I took notes, dog eared pages and am ready to re-read. Jennifer Casa-Todd advocates for allowing students to use their devices and social media, and using technology to make the world a better place. Social LEADia is about educating students by tapping in to passions and interests and giving student the skills to be digital leaders.
A must-read for educators today!
A must-read for educators today!
February 9, 2019
While I appreciated some of Casa-Todd's ideas on social media, I felt like she could've written this book in five chapters instead of eleven. At times it was like she was beating a dead horse... I also think that she uses the term "leadership" loosely. Since when did being a good person mean that you are a leader. Should've all people strive to be good?
March 22, 2019
I read this book for a course I took on using Social Media in the classroom. It was not one I would have probably found on my own but am glad I was able to read it. I found many useful apps as well as websites to check out to help my students use the internet and Social Media in a positive way. I’m looking forward to trying to implement some of these ideas in the classroom.
December 30, 2018
Great start
This book provides great ideas to kick start you online presence in the classroom. There are a plethora of ideas to get started, but focuses too much on stories and vignettes.
This book provides great ideas to kick start you online presence in the classroom. There are a plethora of ideas to get started, but focuses too much on stories and vignettes.
January 3, 2019
Good readable book for teachers, many great ideas and examples and a positive look at digital literacy/citizenship and social media. I am using it as one of the choices for a 'book club' for my pre-service ed tech course.
March 2, 2019
Another “must read” for every teacher!
This book is full of ideas and rationalle for including social media in all of its forms in education. Connecting learners with the world and helping students find their passion is job number one!
This book is full of ideas and rationalle for including social media in all of its forms in education. Connecting learners with the world and helping students find their passion is job number one!
March 24, 2019
This book validated what we’re already doing in our district and provides a roadmap for those just getting started. It’s been a while since I used a highlighter to mark up a book, but there were so many important ideas and quotes I needed to capture! I’ll be sharing this book with others.
July 4, 2019
Thought provoking not only as a teacher, but as a parent. I took so many notes, highlighted and noted ideas in the margins. Feeling inspired to try some new things in my school. Highly recommend for a PD book study.
July 17, 2017
This has made me reimagine how to infuse digital leadership into the curriculum at the high school and my class. It challenges me to step back and develop student digital leaders.
August 2, 2017
If you work with kids, you NEED to read this book. Let's teach our children HOW to swim in social media - how to use it for GOOD, as many educators do via Twitter!
February 16, 2019
An AMAZING book for parents and educators. It includes great examples of kids and teens using social media for good and tips for how to take control of something that gets a bad rap.
February 25, 2018
Of course I am going to rate my own book 5/5. But honestly, I don't think there is another book that tackles this issue by bringing student voices in to talk about it. I am honoured to shine a light on students who are leading in on and offline spaces.
September 27, 2017
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out more!
Social LEADia is a book every teacher (and student) needs. It explains the meaning of digital leadership, and how it is extremely important for each and every one of us to care about this topic. To show others that we can make a difference in the digital world. It has made me realize how important my role of book blogging is in the world, and in the digital one. I am aware of the influence my words, writing and reviews have on many individuals, especially kids. If you want to learn about a teacher's opinion on how we can use social media in the classroom and world, then this is perfect for you.
I adored how personal the writing was, even though it was a research-based novel. Jennifer Casa-Todd tells some stories about her life which surprisingly and amazingly apply to the points she makes and the ideas that are introduced. Everything seemed to sew and flow together wonderfully - I love writing like that. In fact, I love when someone teaches based on their personal experiences; it makes the learning experience so much better and intuitive. In total, I can just say that I really appreciated this reading experience; it was different (and more interesting) than anything I have read before. I guess that I need to read more research-based books!
Social LEADia also has a huge spotlight on students who have made a difference using social media and various movements. I loved this - it shows that people have already achieved the goals Jennifer set out for her readers. And it shows educators and teachers that everyone has a potential to do something remarkable. The author provides us with ideas on how we can strengthen the social LEADia movement in the classroom and beyond with questions teachers should ask themselves and their class. It's a complete success!
Do you want to make a difference in the social media world? Then this is for you - grab this as soon as possible. It's a down-to-earth, truthful research book with humour, interesting facts and statistics that prove that social media should never be looked at negatively.
Social LEADia is a book every teacher (and student) needs. It explains the meaning of digital leadership, and how it is extremely important for each and every one of us to care about this topic. To show others that we can make a difference in the digital world. It has made me realize how important my role of book blogging is in the world, and in the digital one. I am aware of the influence my words, writing and reviews have on many individuals, especially kids. If you want to learn about a teacher's opinion on how we can use social media in the classroom and world, then this is perfect for you.
I adored how personal the writing was, even though it was a research-based novel. Jennifer Casa-Todd tells some stories about her life which surprisingly and amazingly apply to the points she makes and the ideas that are introduced. Everything seemed to sew and flow together wonderfully - I love writing like that. In fact, I love when someone teaches based on their personal experiences; it makes the learning experience so much better and intuitive. In total, I can just say that I really appreciated this reading experience; it was different (and more interesting) than anything I have read before. I guess that I need to read more research-based books!
Social LEADia also has a huge spotlight on students who have made a difference using social media and various movements. I loved this - it shows that people have already achieved the goals Jennifer set out for her readers. And it shows educators and teachers that everyone has a potential to do something remarkable. The author provides us with ideas on how we can strengthen the social LEADia movement in the classroom and beyond with questions teachers should ask themselves and their class. It's a complete success!
Do you want to make a difference in the social media world? Then this is for you - grab this as soon as possible. It's a down-to-earth, truthful research book with humour, interesting facts and statistics that prove that social media should never be looked at negatively.
May 26, 2018
AW: Reading this one currently.
Read
January 30, 2018Awesome read for anyone in Ed Tech. Why do we distinguish between digital citizenship and regular citizenship? Empathy and compassion are empathy and compassion whether they happen on the internet or IRL...in real life! Jennifer Casa-Todd gives educators strategies and the language needed to make the shift from "Don't do this on tech" to "HEY! What accomplishments are possible on technology?"
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews