Blog #2
Facebook 101 or The Basics of Myspace.Should courses such as these be put into the classroom?
There are both postive and negative possibilities in having things like this in the curriculum of schools. There are ways it could be incorporated into computer courses and not affect the core curriculum which seems to be the main concern of this adventure. Since most students, 73% of online teens are already using social networking sites, according to a survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, it might be a good idea to teach students the basics, including what to do and what not to do.
The traditional Facebook and Myspace don't even have to be the social networks of choice in schools; there are alternative options. "The Flat Classroom Project is one example where educators have built social-networking sites (mostly using Ning) specifically for use in class and home assignments. Not only does this allow for educationally relevant communication for students in the classroom, but for them to interact with students in far away classrooms both in the U.S. and abroad so students around the world can reach and learn from each other." (Magid, 2010). A wiki website (allowing for people to update information) shows a list of social networks that are used for educational purposes. Please click the link to access the list.
Instead of merely blocking all social networking sites from the school's computers, we should try and find ways to solve the main issues with social networking and the safety. If keying in on the interests of students is the key to keep their attention and to help them retain information, why not use social networking as a way to do this? I am not recommending that you add students to your personal facebook page, that is unprofessional and grounds for termination, but using a group page to share assignments, homework, etc. or teaching students of the privacy features and what information should be shared over facebook may not be an all bad concept.
Do you or have you thought of using social networking in your classroom? How do you think we can obtain online safety by using social networking in education? "The NSBA [National School Board Association] also found that schools and especially parents have strong expectations about the positive roles that social networking could play in students' lives, and both are interested in social networking as a tool." (Deubel, 2009). Do you feel the same?
Until next time, Keys to Motivation
- Lauren
- Lauren
References:
Deubel, Patricia (2009). Social Networking in Schools: Incentives for Participation. The Journal. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2009/09/16/social-networking-in-schools-incentives-for-participation.aspx
Magid, Larry (2010). Social networking belongs in schools. CNET News. Retrieved from http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-10459983-238.html.
Thank you for sharing the 100 ways to use Facebook. So many times students and teachers get caught up on the "socializing" and "gossiping' aspect of FB. However this list is evidence that FB can be incorporated into the curriculum, PLC, professional development, and training.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to add that I am going to share your 100 ways list with my staff. We had an incident early this year that involved bullying and FB usage. This 100 list should be used to teach students more acceptable and productive methods of using FB. When situations like what happened on my campus occur the wrong thing to do would be to band FB however the district to move to a find ways incorporate FB on a much more positive note.
ReplyDeleteExactly my thoughts! Facebook has so much negativity because of the gossiping and socializing aspects of it, but there are uses for it in the classroom. I'm glad you liked the "100 Ways to Use Facebook", I found it quite enlightening on how it can be incorporated and I'm glad that you're able to share it with your colleagues and relate to it and the issues involved. :)
ReplyDeleteI have also had the whole Facebook issue come up in schools. It is something that our kids are familiar with and work with daily. It should be used as a tool.
ReplyDeleteI found this video about a teacher who uses Facebook as a learning tool with her students. I think it is very creative and all the students look very engaged.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj-XCUIbbcE&feature=related
Bullis School. (2009). Using Facebook to Teach. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj-XCUIbbcE&feature=related
Hey Lauren. I thought your blog was sooo relevant! Facebook is the name of the game right now and what an amazing tool it could be or programs like it could be if teachers could harness that socialization and turn it into meaningful thoughtful classwork. I think what we are doing right now in this Master's program is similar to what you are talking about. We are using blogging as a means of socializing, but we are incorporating research and content into our communication. I think our students could benefit from this more than traditional educators (and policy makers) want to admit.
ReplyDeleteI also talked about the use of social network in the classroom to connect students across the world but I focused on Skype. Social networking sites have a negative connotation in most adults minds but those are the learners we have in our classroom. Like you said they spend a great deal of time on these sites and we should provide them with an opportunity to engage in a positive manner. I think it would be exciting to have a classroom facebook page where the students can talk about assignments and the teacher can communicate directly with the studnets. This is where our teaching is heading so we need to find ways to incorporate it into our teaching styles.
ReplyDelete