Yes…Yes…Yes…Social network sites should be used in schools. By integrating social networking technologies into educational environments, teens have the opportunity to learn from adults how to be safe and smart when participating in online social networks. There are a tremendous amount of activities that students/schools can take part in to increase participation in learning.
Social networking gives teens meaningful ways to use and improve reading and writing skills. A school can use blogging software to publish its newspaper. The blog format allows for timely publication and the ability to make updates easily. Publication costs are minimal and there is no limit to the length of the paper. Check out this school’s newspaper, www.uni.uiuc.edu/gargoyle/ . Another example I found described two biology teachers in different parts of the country working with students on the topic of water quality and ecology. The teachers create a joint wiki for the unit of study. As students find information on the topic, they post to the water quality wiki findings, observations, and useful resources. As a media specialist I liked the idea of an author creating a MySpace account as a way to keep in touch with teen readers. The author’s space includes biographical information, book information, and reflections on reading and writing. These are just a few of the ways that social networking can be used in schools.
As a high school media specialist, I feel that it is my responsibility to attempt to teach students how to use these social networking tools. There are some wonderful resources at http://www.opal-online.org/archivelis.htm . The Federal Trade Commission also has an article on safety tips for tweens and teens, this article can be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/tech/tec14.shtm .
Unfortunately, my school does not allow for the use of social network sites. I hope that someday, soon, I can help lead the pack in allowing this useful teaching tool to be used in our schools.
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Okay, so I’ve spent a great deal of time thinking about this issue and I totally agree that the concept of using social networks at school will make learning authentic and relevant. I loved the site you provided from Uni High School. I was amazed at the writing talent of these kids. That talent coupled with the effective use of the site (showcasing their technology talent) helped me get on board the “embrace the future” train. However..... (Ugh oh) my train slowed down a bit as I spent more time on the site. As I started following link after link I found some really questionable, even offensive material. Thus, the debate! Those administrators that are snarled at for “squelching progress” have a real dilemma on their hands. There are some great tools to help teach us all (not just kids) about the dangers and pitfalls like the one you mentioned, but the issue is complicated and will require everyone who holds a stake in the issue to step back and examine it from all angles. It is worth the effort. Thanks for providing the information.
ReplyDeleteI think social networking in schools is a great idea. Students will really enjoy learning, using social networking as a tool to do so. Before using the social networking tool in schools it is very important to teach the students to be careful when using social networking sites. Myspace and Facebook are both great ways to find information on your favorite authors and books. I also know that Myspace and Facbook can cause problems in schools. I have read many different articles about how fights have started because of something on Myspace and Facebook. Students must learn how to use the sites appropriately.
ReplyDeleteAs much as students and I would love to use social networking in classrooms, I myself do not believe that we will be seeing this in schools anytime soon. I have a Facebook and a Myspace account so I know from experience that there is some very offensive material on the sites. I believe that social networking sites will continue to be blocked in schools as a way of "trying" to keep offensive material out of harms way.
I do agree that it is a misfortune that your school does not allow the use of any social networking sites. While I understand why a policy like this is in place, I think there is always room for exceptions to the rule. I agree that a teacher or media specialist creating a typical Facebook page for their classroom or program might not be a good idea. The potential danger is made obvious when one cannot control what content may be posted or linked to their blog. However, using social media can be a brilliant idea with the right protective measures in place. Why not provide students with valuable information through a context they already are familiar with and enjoy? As long as the media specialist or classroom teacher has control over content that is posted or linked, he can provide a safe and powerful instructional tool. With the right safeguards in place, quality information can be safely shared and transmitted in ways that incorporate up-to-date technology and communication tools that prepare our students for the real world.
ReplyDeleteNot only should we introduce these communication tools in a safe manner, but we should simultaneously educate our students and their families of the facts and dangers associated with sharing information on the internet with others. I think this dual sided approach will serve to protect and educate our students, and it is better than the approach some districts take- pretending that this phenomenon does not exist to avoid potential problems.