Now that Web 2.0 is such a hot topic, social networking is at the forefront of many technological discussions. It seems that every day a new site dedicated to networking and communication is launched. Sites like Facebook, Myspace, Blogger, and others are the modern tool of communication. These highly interactive websites depend on users talking and networking with each other, and they are quickly reducing the prominence that older internet tools, such as email, held for so long. Unfortunately schools, in my area of Georgia, are not utilizing this type of written word and communication. In fact, in the education arena it is as if they do not even exist except as a deviant tool of inappropriate content. All personal networking pages and blogs are blocked. Some slide through the filter, but ninety-nine percent are stopped immediately regardless of their content. I understand the need to block inappropriate content from the internet, and I know that social networking sites have a lot of this content. It is hard to simply say do not block these pages, but the potential benefits of these sites far out weight the hazards they present.
The benefits of these websites are just beginning to blossom in the minds of educators. As I think about blogs, Facebook, and other networking sites I realize that they hold an untapped potential for all subjects, and they can teach students many different things about communication, writing, and even life. Students will willingly write to each other, which can build communication skills and discourse. Students may also learn to evaluate information and its use. This may make them more literate and critically aware of the world around them. This is potentially one of the most motivating methods to get them to discuss and respond in the written form. They also can view and learn to implement many differing forms of multimedia. The overall structure of the sites allows everyone to be successful at using them, and this is potentially useful in ensuring access of information for all students.
Social networking sites and other tools of Web 2.0 are changing the way everyday people use the internet. These tools are not the future, they are the now. Eliminating them from the education of students is limiting a great, typically free, resource, and it is hurting their knowledge of current technological tools and uses. Technology is advancing exponentially. If education wants to prepare students for the future, as is often claimed, then they need to at least bring current technology and its uses into the classroom. Besides, I cannot think of a single student who would not want to post to their friends on the internet, even if it is about a subject in school.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Holly,
I wish I could be as optimistic as you about social networking in the school setting. I guess as I monitor and look at other teen spaces or profiles I find myself more and more disappointed at the content that is allowed on the site. I know that most of these postings are from high school and college students but I feel that the more negative and inappropriate things you put in your mind tend to overflow into your actions and personalities. I am constantly talking to my boys about the amount of profanity I read on there. They both tell me that it is how everybody talks. I have to say I feel that social networking doesn't always teach the best of skills and values. I hope that somewhere along the way I find a cleaner version.
On the other hand I have found myself almost addicted to text messaging which I feel is a major mode of social networking. The other night in class Dr. Bennett mentioned giving a pop quiz using text messages. After that I was ready to buy a class set.
Post a Comment