2026-04-25 –, Fab8.C 201 Swissuniversities Language: English
An engaging social media presence is vital for educational organizations, yet many face ethical dilemmas with big-tech platforms. Mastodon as a decentralized alternative offers privacy and user autonomy, enabling schools to engage students and parents effectively while preserving their data and values.
Mastodon is actually no more difficult to use than other social media, just slightly different. A basic understanding of the concepts, and you’re ready to start.
This is a concise session presenting a privacy‑respecting alternative to ad‑driven social platforms—vital for protecting the data and digital sovereignty of minors. You’ll discover:
• An alternative to centralized social media threatening privacy and fostering unbiased opinion-forming
• What decentralized architectures and the Fediverse can offer in the domain spanning social networks and messengers
• Advantages of Mastodon for education and concrete classroom applications
• A practical how‑to: key differences (no algorithmic feeds), quick setup, moderation basics, and tips for effective use
• Engaging minors in digital literacy: effective Mastodon onboarding strategies
Leave with step‑by‑step actions to pilot Mastodon in your institution and simple hands‑on resources to get started.
Christoph Schmid serves as board member of CH Open and is passionate about sustainable digitization. He holds a PhD in life sciences and has worked in various roles focused on the technical and social aspects of digital change.
Through his experience, Christoph connects technology with its impact on society, aiming to promote sustainable practices in the digital world. His goal is to drive innovation while ensuring a positive future for all.