Due July 8Read the article: Social Networking Goes to School and the accompanying comments following the article.
Comment on the article with your opinion of social networking sites being used in education and the challenges and rewards of doing so.
The non tecnophile is just checking to see if anyone can actually see this post... Britton
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest. When I first saw the title of this article I thought that the idea of social networking in schools was a slippery slope. The first thoughts that came to my mind were that a using things like MySpace or Facebook in schools could be disasterous.
ReplyDeleteI was pleasantly surprised to read how effectively schools like New Milford are using social networking. Not only are they able reach the students at their level and engage them technologically, they are connecting students all over the world.
I also LOVED the idea of using social networking sites to collaborate as teachers and improve professional development. It is fascinating to me to hear that teachers and administrators are working to share ideas through networks like Twitter and Facebook. And while it seems revolutionary to me, it also seems, in a way to be stating the obvious. Of course we should use these sites to communicate our professional news, opinions and discoveries. After all, we use it to communicate everything else about our lives, right?
All in all, I think idea of using social networking as tools in schools is a really innovative idea. It fosters growth, education and understanding of others. It makes students able to get a firm idea of what life is like for another 15 year old, clear across the other side of the world. These sites are the types of sites which engage students and make the world all around us closer and more easy to relate to.
To piggyback on what Christine said about the professional development aspect, I have always been impressed by the sharing that goes on amongst education professionals.
ReplyDeleteAs a first time college teacher, I felt lost until I stumbled upon websites devoted to the sharing of ideas. This latest incarnation, EdChat, is another useful tool that I can add to my planning process.
Social networking has become a ubiquitous means of commuication for people of all ages. Therefore, I do believe that it can serve as an educational tool for teachers and students. However, I do not think sites like Facebook or MySpace should be used for this purpose. As the article stated, it reveals too much of students' personal lives. Additionally, these sites lend themselves to creating a more casual and even inappropriate relationships between teacher and students.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do think other social networking sites can be beneficial in the classroom. I know alot of my colleagues who are Classrooms for the Future teachers use Ning and the students love it. The problem with using technology in the classroom is that not all classrooms have it. In order for us to move forward in the Digital Age, classrooms need access to technology. Too often, districts that need the technology but cannot afford it suffer the consequences of unmotivated students and poor test scores.
When I read about the students using Skype to communicate to other students around the world, I thought to myself, this is the most beneficial to educating students about other countries and cultures. I hope one day all classrooms around the world will be Skyping with each other on a daily basis!
I love the idea of students collaborating together. Two minds is better than one, especially when the students are trying to figure out difficult math problems. I like the idea of the math blog the article discussed because students were helping other students. A lot of children learn best when their peer describes a concept, rather than the teacher.
ReplyDeleteI also love the whole social networking concept because I feel that the children relate to these methods of teaching. They know that they are using something that is used in everyday life and I think it sparks interest and motivation in the students.
Social networking can be positive too in terms of its psycho-social impact. Using it in class gives students a stake in their learning experience which empowers them. Feeling as though their part in the process matters, they grow in confidence. Ultimately, they feel that everyone has something of value to offer.
ReplyDeleteComing from a university environment, facebook is very valuable in terms of the publicity and awareness it provides for events on campus. Every campus organization and office has a page. In addition, our advisees "friend" us. For some schools this is a slippery slope because it raises questions about our responsibility (e.g. student posting pictures of a kegger and we know they are underage). On the other hand, facebook is a good tool for us to connect to our students and develop rapport.
Regardless of the technology, our ultimate goal is to relate to students. Relating to them connects them to us, to knowledge and to their institution.
I certainly agree with the power that social networking has in expanding learning. There are two things that stood out to me, though. First, even though I totally support the use of technology, I still fear that students can use social networking sites negatively. For instance, it could be as simple as looking at pages of inappropriate topics.
ReplyDeleteNext, many parents are hesitant to allow their students to have Facebook accounts. Is it okay for the school to allow that? I feel there needs to be a happy medium. To meet that end, I liked how the article pointed out the creation of social networking sites that are specifically made for students. There are social networking sites specifically designed for classrooms. These sites allow all the same things (for the most part) as Facebook (for instance), but are a closed network only for the students in the classroom.
By using social networking sites that are made just for schools, I feel that students can take part in the social networking experience without teachers, administration, and faculty worrying about the inappropriate content that is found on the sites.
Secondly, on a more personal note, I do have a life (surprisingly) to most and don't necessarily want students to have the ability to text me questions whenever they want. I see the possibilities in it and reasons behind it. Nonetheless, this profession is very draining and teachers need the mental break when possible. I can think of a few students that are so obsessive about their work that questions could be flying in a mile a minute.
I know Colleen's classes don't have many or any computers and I would imagine that most classrooms don't have computers around where I live (Bonner doesn't really) so the social networking would be pretty tough in class. It might be able done with homework though.
ReplyDeleteI probably wouldn't mind giving out my cell number either. I don't have to answer and can always just address the question or concern the nexrt day in class if necessary.
To comment on what Tom said, I agree whole-heartedly that teachers most certainly need a mental break. To have students be able to access you 24/7 is a scary thing. I remember my first year teaching (prior to the inception of social networking sights, and GASP!- texting) I gave every parent my home phone number. It was a nightmare! I can only imagine what social networking or texting could do to a teacher's life.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that opening social networking capabilities in schools could lead to inappropriate use of these sights. I like the idea of a closed network social networking site. As a parent, this option seems a little "safer" and might allow for less abuse of such sites.
I'm all for using everything at your disposal in the classroom or outside of it. If computers are easily accessible I'd try to use all the social network sites (not at once). I don't think schools should block anything. It's the teacher's responsibility to pay attention to what they are looking at and so what if a kid sees some sex or nudity or if they hear/read some bad language...especially if we're talking about high school. I obviously do not know many of the legal implications or really even what teaching a class is like at this point but I know that I'm not gonna be scared to try stuff because it could be somehow controversial to someone.
ReplyDeleteSince Facebook seems to be the most popular social networking site right now, I might try to start with that. Teachers and students don't have to use their personal page when it comes to school. They can create a new one if necessary. Since I'm leaning towards teaching elementary school, I would use my persoanl account and maybe just clean it up a little. The kids could maybe relate to something on my page that could be used in class or at least maybe relate to me as I stand there in front of them all day. I could see what they like too if they would even have pages. I wouldn't mind showing them or their parents pictures of me either. I don't put anything on there that is too private.
The article points out a lot of benefits of social networking sites, I've wondered myslef how to bring video games into the classroom. I don't play many myself, but kids do. I think I would try to bring in Xbox or Wii and tie it to a lesson occasionally.
And even more off topic... I'm getting into teaching because I think I will enjoy being a parental type figure if need be. If kids come to my class and can't behave or are impolite or try to use sites innappropriately, I'll teach them how to act. If their parents complain, I'll suggest how they might act too. If I have to wait a couple years to get tenor before going all out, I will do that, but I don't see the point in worrying about my job or if I might get disciplined if it prevents me from trying something that could make a difference to a kid or at least motivate them in any way.
Tom's take on the 24/7 aspect of students connecting with teachers is a valid concern. I think everyone would agree that a bombardment by students to teacher would create an unhealthy environment for all concerned. I think if we focus on the positive aspects of a closed educational social networking vehicle, its potential is tremendous. As far as trying any social networking site is concerned and the blocking of such sites by schools, I can tell you from the perspective of being the person responsible for that blocking in my district, there are federal laws that we must follow. Those laws, such as CIPA and COPPA, are really what prevent districts from allowing access to things that teachers think should be allowed. That's the administrative piece that most don't understand. I do like Nick's idea of creating a separate page on Facebook for the students only, but it would have to be accessed only at home.
ReplyDeleteSocial networking has become a must for most people today. I'm always shocked at who is asking if I'm on facebook so that they can befriend me (staff, students and parents). Even though I find these tools very rewarding esp the pictures I wouldn't want to share my private life with work nor would I want to view my students personal lives.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments posted regarding networking sites that allow students access to teachers day and night. Not only does this send out a red flag for privacy issues for students but I could see how some students would use this to bully others. This could cause many problems for the teachers and students. Boundries need to be set so that lines are not crossed between working hours and personal time. I wouldn't want to frustrate parents/students if they were trying to contact me during times that I'm not available ( think weekends, nights etc.) Unless were considering teachers taking turns being "on call" like doctors!!!
As for the aritcle I found it very interesting and informative on the benifits of intergrating social networking into the classroom. I love the ideas of using it as a tool for students to learn mateial through discussion boards and texting or using SKype to communicate with other schools around the world. This would be very benifical to my classroom because I teach learning support and these students depend on visuals and hands on activies to grasp concepts and content. Giving the opportunity for the studnets to collobrate using all the computer offers would benifit my students and increase their learning.
I especially liked the ideas of using networks such as Twitter or Ning for professional development. The article discussed how teachers could join discussion groups regarding edcational topics of interest. Just like the students we can learn from each other. Also, I like the idea of picking my own topics to learn about on sites like Ning. I could chose things I'm interested in or learn more about the subjects I teach. I'm tired of attending inservices that cover subjects that I don't teach. This is just another tool I would use as an educator that would allow me access to many teachers from all over the US. It would be great to communicate with others in regards to best practices and programs that work!!!!
At the end of this past school year, a few of the classrooms at my school were outfitted for Skype. We began practicing with it, on an in-house basis. The idea was to get all the classrooms set up by the beginning of this year, and use the summer to work out ways to integrate it into our lessons. Like Colleen, I am really excited about the possibilities!!! I think it will significantly broaden my students' perspectives!
ReplyDeleteYet, interestingly, we had a little bit of resistance from parents worried about privacy. I think their fears must, and can, be addressed because I think students can be protected with Skype because it is relatively controllable. The collaboration would be phenomenal, and that's great, as Sara pointed out. Yet, I am a bit leery about some other forms of social networking, like Facebook. For the kids, it is a safety issue; for me, well, I just don't want the kids, or for that matter, their parents, connecting with me THAT personally. I think there is a real place for some boundaries....which is also why I agree with Tom about not wanting to be able to be contacted 24/7.
Skype, yea!!! :) Facebook (or perhaps a closed network like Tom mentioned), really intriguing, but something that would have to be VERY carefully planned out.
Great article. It brings up a lot of positive ways to use popular technology in the classroom and it also raises some red flags. I was bery interested in the "teacher sharing" times that were organized an thought that they could be very helpful. The example about using skype to cpmmunicate with classrooms around the world is also very cool - I remember having a pen-pal! How much more fun to actually see and talk to your pen-pal!! I also thought that the teacher using it was very smart to have "fact checkers" after conversations. Kids often don't really know what they are talking about but will give an answer that sounds good to them (ie. What's the temp. there today? or How many people live in your city?). Finally, I really think keeping the network closed by using a class blog or wiki is essential for protection of all parties involved. The problem with sites like Facebook is that others can also post comments or pictures of you so even if you try to "clean up" you page, it is hard to know what someone else might put up.
ReplyDeleteAs we all heard in class the other night - technology is here to stay. Figuring out effective and appropriate uses for it in the classroom is going to be a continuing challenge. I think I will be on the wary side for a while...
I feel like I'm in the Garden of Techno-Eden with this article. The positive side offers a chance for students to explore the world and interact with students of different countries or communities in a meaningful way. For example, my son's school fund-raises annually to buy bicycles for children in India to ride to school. They already have a relationship with that community, that could be enhanced through internet communication. They have been studying Indian culture, and it would have been better to reach out and talk to real kids, about real issues.
ReplyDeleteBut I must admit, that at the Early Education College level, my teachers are currently advising extreme caution! In one class I suggested using Twitter as a tool for the Head of School to keep parents informed of exciting school events, and I was royally shot down. I have been told never to have a Facebook page, because something inappropriate can get me fired. I have been told to make a file of every professional communication I write, so that I have a record of what I've said. If I use the College Webstudy, I can have no expectation of privacy, just as if I use the school computers where I am employed. I am a representative of my school at all times and some privacy issues seem really sticky.
I see no real freedom of speech here, and who shall say what is inappropriate? If I take a bite of the techno-apple, will it be poisonous?
Parents are depending on teachers to design safe internet activities in the schools. The safety of the students and their privacy has to be guarded. I think that a forward-thinking administration would have to lead the way here, one step at a time. There's a social aspect to be considered here. Some people resist change. Many people I've worked for have control issues: they're totally dedicated to their job, but need to oversee every aspect of it. They might feel threatened by the openness of these communications.
Personally, I have benefited so much by hearing what the Cohort has to say about teaching, that I want to expand my network of communication. You couldn't put me back "in the box" of my old school. I think we all are evolving, and it can't be stopped. By social networking with other ECE teachers, and learning what's been working for them, I would take my first step into this new world. The idea of having teachers explore on their own, and then get together and share what they've learned is truly exciting!
Another thing that really excites me about the article is the chance for educators to collaborate, and get ideas from each other. Did you notice the related article, though? The one about the possibility that Nings will no longer be free?
ReplyDeleteMy first thought when I read the title was also, no way would this be a good idea, however I agree ...it opens doors to new ideas and ways of addressing children and parents in this 21st century technology driven society. There is nothing wrong with using today's technology hand in hand with education. Of course with todays' privacy laws, issues, it comes with a new set of challenges.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be considered odd if you are not participating in any social networking site or atleast aware of them and I think that people rely on them daily. There is nothing wrong with collaborating these social networking sites and schools, it gives children a chance to expand their knowledge of what is in there immediate surroundings.
Just as Britton said, techology is here to stay and something will come along and replace facebook/ myspace/ twitter..and we'll have to figure out how to continue to use the technology to encourage learning.
I found this article to be very encouraging. It shed a positive tone on social networking and proved that it can benefit students and teachers alike.
ReplyDeleteI feel that, in some districts, there is a lack of communication between parents and educators. But, I agree with you all who have stated that parents and students should not have access to teachers 24/7. That’s a ridiculous idea. And sometimes, e-mail doesn’t work either. I can testify to that since I e-mailed my son’s teacher throughout this past school year and it took her DAYS to get back to me. Britton commented in class, a while back, about the effective communication that takes place in her school district between parents and teachers. I was a little envious of that since the issue I had with my son’s teacher is just a shadow of an even bigger problem within our district. So, it would be nice to have a social networking site where parents can communicate with their child’s teacher, and the teacher is responsible for logging in and responding on a daily basis just like students that have online assignments.
Also, I agree with JenLynn who said that there should be boundaries in the social networking world as it pertains to schools. It is easy for individuals to cross the line in many ways through social networking. But if guidelines and rules are put into place, those boundaries are not easily crossed. I don’t believe that MySpace or Facebook should be used in schools, especially on elementary and middle school levels. I don’t feel that the students are mature enough to handle those sites. (High school students….BIG maybe…Christina’s college students…sure). But those sites that the article mentioned, which are specifically designed for schools, would be very beneficial (and safe).
Finally, I agree with Collen who mentioned that some school districts which need technological enhancements in their classrooms to help improve student achievement, are those that lack the financial resources to obtain these social networking tools (and everything that comes with them, such as materials and $$$ for training).
The more articles and the more discussions I am involved in (electronically or otherwise), the more I find myself on the fence about social networking sites and schools. In the article, one school had a facebook page where all sports and student activity information was posted - that's really cool. However, Sarah suggested that teachers could have a page so that parents could communicate with them. I think you would run into the same kind of response as with email... I have a facebook page that I never use and never respond to people on, although I usually answer email immediately. I think it would really just depend on the teacher. The other problem with using social networking to communicate is that everyone expects you to check your site constantly and respond immediately. Teachers already have inadequate planning/meeting time and adding another way for people to communicate, especially when they want an immediate response, could be overwhelming. Unless I have made an appointment or there is an emergency, I don't want parents or students to be able to contact me at night!
ReplyDeleteTom's suggestion about closed network sites is a good one. Teachers can make it clear that they will check their site a certain number of times or at a certain time each day. this way if a students posts a question while doing homework at 10:00pm, they won't get mad if the teacher doesn't answer. Kids could still post pictures and make their page personal (maybe there could be a digital camera in the classroom available to any student and pictures could be snapped throughout the day...?) but you could avoid the keg party pictures that Christina mentioned!
As Denise mentioned, the Ning sites will no longer be free - alas! We will be looking at some Ning sites, but this is one of the reasons why I chose to not have the class create a Ning site and why we will be creating a wiki instead as a final project. I certainly would have preferred the ning, but the dependability on free is gone.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Britton. My day job is like a part-time job compared to what I have to do when I get home. I certainly wouldn't want the parents of 25-30 kids to have access to me at night! OMG!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't suggesting for teachers to be responsible to have to communicate with parents all day, every day. That's not possible. I'm just saying that if social networking sites are available for students and teachers...it would be nice for there to be a better way for parents to be able to communicate with teachers in the same way. This, of course, would only be necessary for those educational agencies where parent-teacher communication is a problem. I'm also not oblivious to the fact that it's not always the teacher's fault (as in my case). But that, more than often, parents only communicate when there is a problem. And to sharpen the double-edged sword, districts where p-t communication is a problem, are usually those that can't afford to implement social networking systems.
A closed network site, with scheduled times for communication, is an excellent idea.
The concept of connecting with other students around the country, even around the world is an awesome idea. Especially, after our last class in diversity. It is a great way of introducing diversity to our students and opening their minds to the world. Also, to introduce students to a different culture/ideas hands on is a great way to engage the students. It will make it seem more real for the students instead of reading a book or a video made by someone they do not know and can not connect with.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea with the Orca Whales. It is a great way of letting the students experience things they might not have been able to, almost first hand. For example, a classroom in Arkansas. The idea can really be transferred to all subjects.
The Idea of students being able to connect with teachers 24/7 bothers me. I believe it goes back to the social aspect we talked about in class. Students should at times find other means of problem solving, plus overwhelming teachers.
Finally, social networking puts a lot more liability on educators buts has its benefits as well. I truly believe that the biggest aspect of technology in the classroom is balance and moderation.
The 24/7 access concern is a valid one. I believe that regardless of whether a page is set up or number given out, there is the expectation that jobs go beyond the normal workday. While this is not specific to education, the technological developments of the last 10 years have put us all in constant contact with one another. Cell phones and email tie us to our offices.
ReplyDeleteAlthough my working situation is somewhat different than the majority in class, I do see that students have smaller time frames for replies (we get alot of parent calls/emails too!). Emails sent on thanksgiving and christmas with issues needing attention are answered promptly. Now, I understand that there is no requirement to do so but our philosophy is that we are there for the students.
I wonder if we will slowly evolve to something like the KIPP model...where students have access to their teachers regularly outside of class? What is the purpose behind such practices? Is it based on low parental involvement? Desire for greater teacher access? Or, does it improve outcomes?
After reading this article, I thought about how great it would be to have students communicate with students from other countries and cultures. There is so much to learn, and to be able to speak with other students from other places directly, instead of just reading about them in a book or on line, would be an amazing experience. I think that the growing accessibility to online communications will be a great asset to teachers and students.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I do not feel that the current social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace should not be used for these purposes. Because these sites are already established and are very popular, trying to use them for educational goals could prove to be problematic.
Tom's idea of a closed network for students,teachers, and parents would be an excellent educational tool. A place where people can learn and communicate with one another. Possibly an "educational networking site" as opposed to a "social networking site" would be more appropriate.
Sadly...I agree with Glenn. I love technology, but there has to be moderation. The wiki page aspect worked so well for my class because it was a closed system that was monitored. Social networking sites, such as Facebook, are not monitored. Having sites that allow for ACCOUNTABILITY of what the students do is huge. I need to know who posts what, when, and what they said. Students need to use and learn technology, but it has to be within moderations. If Ning is going to be a pay site, yet it is important to use that site for the social networking aspect, then schools need to pay for it to ensure that aspect can be used. Facebook and other similar sites are too much of a liability in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree that giving students or even parents 24/7 access to the teacher would be too overwhelming. However, I think that it's totally beneficial for students to have 24/7 access to one another via the social networking site. This way, they could help one another with questions about assignments and whatnot. I believe this was mentioned in the article. Having the social networking site for a classroom can help build a sense of community.
ReplyDeleteI think that there are a variety of ways that teachers can use social networking in the classroom. I feel that there is a much smother transition process that they may think. Students have a great deal of experience that they bring to the table when dealing with social networking sites. I would not use a social networking site unless it was a closed or monitored system like Ning. With Facebook or other unmonitored sites you run to much of a risk of abuse.
ReplyDeleteHeather I agree. Technology gives teachers and students the ability to be in constant contact. As an educator, personally having students contact me 27/7 is not desirable. Students work at may different times but there are limits to when I can be accessed. As a professional we need to set limits.
ReplyDelete