Social Networking

Social Networking in Schools

     When students enter a classroom today, they are typically asked to power down their mobile and electronic devices. Some argue that students should not have access to cell phones and iPads in the classroom, while others argue the opposite. The truth of the matter, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, is that mobile devices are not disappearing any time soon. Instead of powering down, students should first be taught about digital citizenship, and then about how to use their devices as a gateway to education. Research has shown that students who engage in social networking can benefit from incorporating it into the curriculum (Module five, n.d.). By allowing students to use their electronic devises, we are making school more relevant to their lives and making education more engaging. 

     Collaborative tools like Facebook, Club Penguin (Facebook for ages 6-13), YouTube, Blogs, Wikis, Edmoto (also like Facebook), and Hubspot are all interactive and allow users to connect with each other.

What's the purpose of social networking?

     According to Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum, authors of Web 2.0 How to for Educators (2010), the purpose of social networking is to "communicate with others in order to learn, develop, and expand all that we know; to share ideas and information; and to enjoy social interactions" (p. 79). It can be used in the classroom to help students develop digital skills, innovative thinking, and problem solving skills.

The pros and cons of using social networking in the classroom:

     Classroom integration of social networking has many advantages and disadvantages. One of the greatest advantages to using social networking is that it helps retain student attention and engagement while keeping them informed (Zhao, 2012 and "How Well Are Students Using Social Media?", n.d.). Social networking also allows students access to  information they may not otherwise have learned in school ("How Well Are Students Using Social Media?", n.d.). While many educators fear the use of social networking in schools, they must remember that many online communities allow teachers to control the environment and monitor who has access to it. Other advantages include students being able to collaborate on projects, students have a place to post questions and concerns, having a place to keep teacher notes and videos, students who are absent can catch up on work, students can develop and retain their efforts overtime, and access can be given to family members who want to stay in touch with their child's education (Solomon & Schrum, 2010). 

     Unfortunately, there are disadvantages associated with utilizing social networking in the classroom as well. For example, some parents say that it uses up too much computer time, and that students will have a deficit in face-to-face social skills that are needed to succeed in the workplace ("How Well Are Students Using Social Media?", n.d.). Others argue that social networking has a lack of features, and that if sites do not allow for one-to-one connection, then students may not feel like the school really cares about them. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter also require daily maintenance and interaction with students, which can be a lot of extra work for someone to take on ("How Well Are Students Using Social Media?", n.d.). 

     In conclusion, there are many good reasons to utilize social networking in schools. Social networking may benefit students in mastering learning targets by engaging them and connecting them with real-world information and people. If students are taught how to safely use social networking tools, it can have a significant positive impact on their education. 

Resources:

Module five: Social networking tools and social media (n.d.). Retrieved April 28, 2014 from bb.snhu.edu

How well are schools using social media? [Infographic] - SocialTimes. (n.d.). SocialTimes. Retrieved April 28,   

     2014, from http://socialtimes.com/how-well-are-schools-using-social-media-infographic_b89204

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2010). Web 2.0 how to for educators. Eugene, OR: International Society for 

     Technology in Education.

Zhao, E. (2012, April 30). Social media and video games in classrooms can yield valuable data for teachers. The 

     Huffington Post. Retrieved April 28, 2014, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/30/social-media-and-

     video-ga_n_1465082.html