Pros and Cons of Various Platforms

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/

Safety Website states that: “We're committed to fostering a safe and

supportive community for everyone”.

Could be unsafe for students as the onus is on individuals to fact

check and monitor the posts and images they see

Reliability Information is posted by individual users and businesses so

information needs to be verified.

Age Appropriateness Parent guide for teenagers: https://bit.ly/3evPRoS

Usability User friendly with a personal device or computer

Cost Free

Relevance to Teaching Not much relevance to teaching Math

Math

Interaction between Not an appropriate platform for teacher/student interactions

students and teachers

Facebook (Social Media)

https://www.facebook.com/

Safety Requires password and log-in. Website has a privacy and Safety
Center with a reporting system if something feels unsafe to user.

Could be unsafe for students as the onus is on individuals to fact

check and monitor the posts and images they see

Reliability Information is posted by individual users and businesses so

information needs to be verified.

Age Appropriateness Must be 13 years

Usability User friendly with a personal device or computer

Cost Free

Relevance to Teaching Relevance to teaching Math if you are a part of an education or

Math Math group

Interaction between Not an appropriate platform for teacher/student interactions

students and teachers
 Showbie
https://www.showbie.com/

Safety Set up by the teacher and monitored by teachers and parents

Reliability Information is posted by teachers and students. All content is

viewable by teacher and students.

Age Appropriateness Appropriate for users of all ages that can use a personal device or
computer (grade 3-12)

Usability Needs some initial teaching on joining a class - webinars are

provided

Cost Free

Relevance to Teaching Relevant as teachers can set up Math lessons, number talks, post
Math videos, lessons, notes, etc.

Interaction between Students can collaborate, leave voice notes, make portfolios, and
students and teachers have class discussions.

Teachers can also annotate, use gradebook, and include parents.

Google Classroom
https://classroom.google.com/

Safety Requires a code from teacher and must have a Gedu account
which is administered by school districts

Reliability Information is posted by teachers or students. All content is

viewable by teacher

Age Appropriateness Appropriate for users of all ages that can use a personal device or
computer (grade 3-12)

Usability Requires a bit of pre-teaching but is user friendly

Cost Free to teachers if school has an account

Relevance to Teaching A great resource for teaching Math as you can set up a Google
Math Math Class and post videos, lessons, notes, etc.

Interaction between Students can collaborate, leave voice notes, make portfolios, and
students and teachers have class discussions.

Teachers can also annotate, use gradebook, and include parents.