Reynard, R. (2009). Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities for All. Campus Technology. Retrieved from http://campustechnology.com/articles/2009/07/22/beyond-social-networking-building-toward-learning-communities.aspx
Article Summary:
This article introduces the idea that social networking is an important tool for creating relationships and for connecting and socializing but it needs to evolve into exchanging actual ideas and constructing knowledge between students. The heart of Web 2.0 technology is building social constructivism on social interaction. Social networking is on the rise in younger populations as well as in older groups of people. Most young students are impressed that their teachers are on a Facebook page or other social networking site.
Social networking may be a great beginning to building a community, but it doesn't necessarily lead to a community of learners. It is important to engage students beyond the social aspect and encourage them to construct knowledge.
Most skills that are developed on a social networking site can lead to another skill or be developed simultaneously. Social networking can "encourage youth to develop the skills, knowledge, ethical frameworks, and self-confidence needed to be full participants in contemporary society."
My Thoughts:
Social networking is definitely a big component of a teenager's life. Over the past several years, I have seen more students switch from MySpace.com to Facebook.com. I polled two of my freshman classes and, on average, 49% of my students still use MySpace, but 69% use Facebook regularly. Only an average of 25% use Twitter. Students are spending hours a day on social networking sites. It would be great to see these students using this time in a more educational manner. It would take time and training of the students to create the atmosphere that a teacher desires, but it is possible. Students ask me all the time to add them on my Facebook friends list. Unfortunately, it is awkward because teachers aren't supposed to socialize with students. I have pondered how I would create a Facebook page that my students could be on my friend list and we could have intellectual discussions about different topics in science. So far, I have not perfected the idea for a page that wouldn't cross the line between "cool" and "creepy". I do have a Twitter account that I post about my daily use of technology or science and I allow my students to follow me. I definitely agree that social networking should go beyond just socializing with peers and cross into the realm of education. Whose job is it to teach our kids to reach that point? I don't know. In my opinion, they should learn these skills before leaving high school because they would be valuable skills to have in college and beyond.
Article Summary:
This article introduces the idea that social networking is an important tool for creating relationships and for connecting and socializing but it needs to evolve into exchanging actual ideas and constructing knowledge between students. The heart of Web 2.0 technology is building social constructivism on social interaction. Social networking is on the rise in younger populations as well as in older groups of people. Most young students are impressed that their teachers are on a Facebook page or other social networking site.
Social networking may be a great beginning to building a community, but it doesn't necessarily lead to a community of learners. It is important to engage students beyond the social aspect and encourage them to construct knowledge.
Most skills that are developed on a social networking site can lead to another skill or be developed simultaneously. Social networking can "encourage youth to develop the skills, knowledge, ethical frameworks, and self-confidence needed to be full participants in contemporary society."
My Thoughts:
Social networking is definitely a big component of a teenager's life. Over the past several years, I have seen more students switch from MySpace.com to Facebook.com. I polled two of my freshman classes and, on average, 49% of my students still use MySpace, but 69% use Facebook regularly. Only an average of 25% use Twitter. Students are spending hours a day on social networking sites. It would be great to see these students using this time in a more educational manner. It would take time and training of the students to create the atmosphere that a teacher desires, but it is possible. Students ask me all the time to add them on my Facebook friends list. Unfortunately, it is awkward because teachers aren't supposed to socialize with students. I have pondered how I would create a Facebook page that my students could be on my friend list and we could have intellectual discussions about different topics in science. So far, I have not perfected the idea for a page that wouldn't cross the line between "cool" and "creepy". I do have a Twitter account that I post about my daily use of technology or science and I allow my students to follow me. I definitely agree that social networking should go beyond just socializing with peers and cross into the realm of education. Whose job is it to teach our kids to reach that point? I don't know. In my opinion, they should learn these skills before leaving high school because they would be valuable skills to have in college and beyond.
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