The
disadvantage is students creating their own account and having discussions
about teachers, students and administration: Not only discussion but inappropriate
pictures. In North Carolina, Wake County Public schools students from six different
schools posted nude pictures and share videos of inappropriate material. Click here to read article.
Social
networking has its advantages and disadvantage. The advantages outweigh
disadvantages. Social network
allow students to work in small groups, to collaborate on a group
submission based on an authentic workplace scenario, discussing their group
project both synchronously, using a chat tool, and asynchronously, using
discussions in the eLearning space (Jones, 2010).
According
to
recent study by the Pew Internet and American Life project (Lenhart
&
Madden, 2007), 55% of pre-college American ages 12 to 17 were active on
social
networking sites in 2006. In 2014, more students are actively using
social
media. Educational social media is a necessity in the educational
environment, such as, google + blog, kidblog, educational Facebook and
Twitter.
Reference
Ennis, R.S. (2011), "Innovations in
education and technology: use of social networking for dental hygiene program recruitment", The Journal of
Dental Hygiene, Vol. 85 No. 3, pp. 177-80.
Jones, M. (2010), "ACSCL approach to blended learning in the integration of technology in teaching", Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects, Vol. 6, pp. 103-13.
Lenhart, A., & Madden, M. (2007). Social networking sites and teens: An overview. Washington, DC: Pew internet & American Life Project. Available online at http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_SNS_Data_Memo_Jan_2000.pdf
I agree that there are pros and cons to Facebook. Social media like you mentioned can be used as an educational tool if it is done correctly. It is important to stimulate learning the best way we can and this generation is so into socializing why not make it part of the curriculum with guidelines, expectations and contracts. Great post
ReplyDeleteDelbra,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post because I teach in Cumberland County (Fayetteville) so we have had a meeting with the students about posting inappropriate pictures. While allowing students to use the Internet and social networking sites for class use, they must each have the digital citizenship training and pass the test; this protects me if any situations arise with kids not doing what they are supposed to. There are so many students participating in social networking that we, as teachers, need to make sure we are communicating with them in a way they know.
I would love to use more social sites in the classroom, but I know I have to create a policy for social networking use for my class. :-) My job is to teach the students but I also need to protect them. The discussion boards are a great way to help students prepare for the 21st century because majority of the community colleges, universities and colleges use Blackboard or Sakai in order to submit work for the classes.
Thank you for your post
I never realized the negative to social networking that you explained, Delbra in regards to students posting bad things about teachers and administrators. The thought is frightening to say the least, and disconcerting because I never really put that thought to mind, since I am not currently teaching in a classroom, just substituting.
ReplyDeleteI agree advantages outweigh the disadvantages because we are so into technology that I see it only growing bigger in education; not to every replace teachers, only move into a different direction of learning. My though is social networking can be an attribute to learning, and a creative process we can teach students, but with a lot of training, and protection. We should use technology, as educators to our advantage, and maybe get a way from the chalkboard for notes, and advertisements of classwork, and use something electronic and permanent that we can reflect back to, rather than erasing the chalkboard for something new. If that makes sense...
Thanks Delbra,
Kathy Adams
Social Networking can really be dangerous for kids if it is in a free site like Facebook or twitter. I agree with what you have said about students being able to use these sites to speak poorly of students and teachers. When there are no regulations, kids make mistakes and do not think about the consequences. They are willing to say something to somebody on a chat message or Facebook post because they are separated from the situation. In order to understand that words have meanings and consequences, they need to see the person they are speaking to. Unfortunately, they can say anything they want in these resources and it is just not safe. That's why I try to use resources that I have the ability to approve comments and posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post!
Sarah Hallum