How social are you???

Social Networks are not new nor do they appear to be going away in the next year or two but do they have a role in K-12 education? During our session today we share some of the different strategies Social Networks have used to bring people together online. For some this makes the world much smaller and provides students and adults the ability to share common interests beyond your geographic and economic norms. For others this is a dangerous area for kids and teachers privacy or safety.

How do you feel about Social Networks and their role in K-12 education?

On another topic – MySpace: Robert is looking at March 23^rd to reschedule our session on My Space. We hope that this fits everyone’s schedule. If not please let me know via email.

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February 9, 2010 - Posted by nort2h | Uncategorized

5 Comments »

I’m personally hooked no Facebook, and love the idea of Nings, but am blocked at school from the ning site. However, I was able to join classroom 2.0, but haven’t gotten to really use it yet. Robert Moore told me about a new site that’s like Twitter for educators because I wanted to be able to use Twitter in my “Computer as a Writing Tool” elective class. However, I like the idea of using Twitter and tweeting in groups because outsiders will be less likely to follow what we’re doing in class.

I think social networking will be a big part of education and educational communication in the near future, and we will have to find new ways to be vigilent against bullying and harassment. I like the idea of sending assignment updates via “schoolbook” (instead of facebook) or something, and holding literature discussions via the Internet.

Comment by Sandy Walker | February 16, 2010 | Reply
I do use Facebook for my personal life. It has been terrific for keeping in touch with friends from the past and current acquaintances. It is a tool that allows us to be only a click away from conversing with a friend. It is here and is common nature for younger people to use so we might as well be familiar with it.

I do not feel comfortable however using it in the classroom. It is a threat to my students’ privacy as well as myself and my colleagues. We have had a few incidents where fake profiles have been set up for faculty members in a disrespectful manner and can be harmful to them. I think it is a nice tool, but like all technology it has its limits. I am glad these social networks are blocked in the school district I work in.

Comment by Todd Hodkey | March 5, 2010 | Reply
Although I use Facebook to keep in touch with my immediate family, I would not feel comfortable using it in the classroom. I have seen Twitter used wisely in a 5th grade setting. I am hoping to use it next year to keep parents updated on events and classroom news.

Comment by mary | April 26, 2010 | Reply
I currently use Facebook to keep in touch with old friends and extended family; however, I would not use it in a classroom application. I don’t feel Facebook has a place in education due to the fact that there are so many people out there that are maliscious and could create false accounts as a target to other students or teachers. Social networking is great, just not in education. I teach K-3 and I don’t see it as an appropriate means of educating this level of student.

Comment by Tricia | May 26, 2010 | Reply
I use facebook and twitter to promote my library and resources. While Twitter is not very popular with HS students, Facebook is a great way to share info with them. The students rarely check their school email. I think that we need to teach students how to use social networking sites cautiously and correcty and not ignore the fact that our students are on Facebook, etc.

Comment by Jen Flaherty | June 6, 2010 | Reply

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