Social networking technology is a growing phenomenon in society. Practically every human being has a cell phone, computer or laptop at his or her disposal. The use of email is sharing the same space of letter writing. The trends of blogging, texting, and using Face Book are taking over the way we communicate via cyber space. Over the past 10 years, the educational system has advanced in its efforts to communicate to parents concerning their children’s progress in school, or sending out general communication about school events via email.
Email is becoming a dinosaur of communication and texting, while blogging and Face Book are the wave of the future. The National School Boards Association (NSBA, 2007) conducted a survey of students, parents, and administrators to determine the purpose of using SNSs; therefore the researchers found that close to 60% of students who utilized SNSs did so to talk about education-related topics (e.g., college, news, jobs, politics) and 50% of students used SNSs to discuss school work they were assigned in the classroom (As cited in Morgan, 2010).
So how do we link these social networking sites to education? How do we address parents and teacher concerns about privacy and possible abuse of the sites as it relates to the content that is placed on a user’s profile? With the assistance from the education system, creators of the most popular social networking sites could develop ESN (Educational Social Networking). The idea behind ESN would be to create a secured education channel to the sites. Built in active monitoring tools for content and create new creative education logos distinguishing social based from education based. Roach (2006), conducted a study which engaged social networking technologies in education, and found that over half of the students respondents would “read a blog authorized by a faculty member” that pertained to course information and school activities.
If embraced by the education system, social networking sites could be utilized to conduct group/class discussions and posting weekly assignments on Blog sites. High school students who are looking to take professional development courses to prepare them for life after graduation could utilize Linked In for professional networking. Student collaboration could be done through Facebook and with the concept of ESN; this goal could be accomplished in a closely monitored virtual classroom environment. The best thing about the concept, it would come at no additional cost to the education system!
References:
Morgan, J. (2010). Social Networking Web Sites Teaching Appropriate Social Competence to
Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Intervention in School and Clinic,
(45), 147 - 157.
Roach, R (2006). Prospective college students receptive to electronic social networking
recruitment methods, survey finds. Diverse Issues in Higher Education online
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Andree-
ReplyDeleteMany classes in my school are beginning to use facebook as a way to communicate with students, however a few parents have made it difficult by not wanting to have their students sign up but are happy to follow themselves. It is also a preference for many of the coaches of my kids sporting events. It prevents a bunch of phone calls and different information. These are definitely good tools to use...
The idea that ESN will not require additional funding is certainly an advantage. Our system does not encourage ESN, and cell phones are prohibited. What would you suggest to be the first step to overcoming this battle?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Most students have Facebook sites already set up. Why not use blogging, twittering, and wikis to for educational social networking. If the CMS structure and manage well, this can be a useful tool for teaching students how to share and develop formulate and explore new ideas, opinions, and theories their subject matter. It is also a technology that can help to improve students’ learning deficiencies in reading, writing and critical thinking.
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