Social Media, Technology, and Students: An Agenda: Alexandria Virtual Only Event
Alexandria, VA – On Monday, November 18, 2024, Agenda Alexandria will host a livestream event featuring a panel of students from Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) in a revealing conversation about the impact of social media on their daily lives. This panel, originally recorded at the 2023 Cybersecurity Awareness Event, offers a fresh perspective on how digital platforms have reshaped both social and educational interactions. Moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Hoover, ACPS’s Chief Technology Officer, the discussion unveils first-hand accounts from the students on how social media affects their mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
An Opportunity for Public Engagement
This virtual-only program invites the community to tune in at 7:00 PM on November 18 to explore the valuable insights shared by these young voices. The program was originally recorded as part of a broader initiative spearheaded by the City’s Commission on Information Technology, in collaboration with Computer CORE, aimed at highlighting the real-world implications of cybersecurity and digital citizenship. As ACPS continues to address the evolving landscape of technology, this conversation underscores the importance of hearing directly from students, whose experiences offer a genuine understanding of the digital discourse shaping their lives.
A Panel of Student Voices
Dr. Hoover, who has been at the forefront of technology integration in Alexandria schools for nearly 30 years, opened the panel by reflecting on her experiences and how technology has changed over time. “When I started, we were excited to get the internet into classrooms, and teachers were thrilled with their first computer. Now, we are focused on cybersecurity, digital health, and citizenship. But what’s most important is the student voice,” Hoover shared.
Students from different grade levels provided eye-opening perspectives on their earliest experiences with technology and the way they use social media today. From gaming on PlayStation 3 to navigating TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, the students candidly discussed how these platforms serve as spaces for connection and interaction with friends. One student highlighted how social media helps maintain connections for the future, including potential career networking opportunities.
Navigating the Noise of Social Media
The conversation also delved into the challenges students face with misinformation and clutter on social media platforms. When asked how they filter through irrelevant or false information, the students responded with practical strategies like swiping past irrelevant posts and using privacy features to block unwanted content. One senior student remarked, “Adults could probably use a lesson on how to declutter their social media as well.”
The discussion wasn’t all about the positive aspects, however. Students shared their concerns about privacy, data collection, and the ever-present anxiety over being constantly connected. Some even spoke about the difficulties of stepping away from social media, with one student confessing, “It’s extremely hard to give up social media because it’s such a big part of my life now.”
Dr. Hoover’s Role in the Discussion
Dr. Elizabeth Hoover has been a driving force behind ACPS’s technological transformation since she took on the role of Chief Technology Officer in 2008. She is responsible for managing ACPS’s infrastructure and supporting both educational applications and instructional technology. Her journey with the school system began much earlier, in 1995, when she was a fourth-grade teacher at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology. Over the years, Dr. Hoover has been recognized as a trailblazer in digital education, earning accolades such as being named one of the top 30 technology leaders by the Center for Digital Education.
Her leadership was key in orchestrating the insightful student panel that the community will be able to experience during the livestream. Hoover believes that giving students a platform to speak about their digital experiences is crucial to understanding the benefits and risks associated with technology use in schools.
What to Expect on November 18
This livestreamed panel is part of Agenda Alexandria’s continuing mission to foster dialogue on pressing community issues. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about how social media is influencing the next generation, this event promises to offer a window into the realities of today’s digital age.
In addition to the pre-recorded panel discussion, we will hold a brief live conversation after the recording to address any questions from the virtual audience. Agenda Alexandria Co-Chair Ricardo Alfaro will join Dr. Hoover in this interactive segment to further explore the students’ insights and their implications for future policies and educational initiatives.
Mark your calendars for November 18 at 7:00 PM via AgendaAlexandria.org, and join this important discussion that sheds light on the intersection of technology, education, and mental health in the modern age.
Agenda:Alexandria is registered 501(c)(3) non-partisan organization which encourages informed debate and discussion on a wide variety of local issues without taking a position. We host in-person and digital programs on topics of interest to the residents of the City of Alexandria.
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