Social networking is definitely a hot item right now. At this point, most people have either heard about Facebook or are members of Facebook. Social networking (specifically Facebook) is something that I've used personally for the past five years or so. Unlike some of the other Web 2.0 tools I've used this semester, I feel like I have a lot of background knowledge in this area. The difference between my personal use of Facebook and how I'm learning about social networking in this class is that students are involved! I have made very strict rules for myself on Facebook. Pictures must be appropriate. Interaction with coworkers on Facebook remains professional. Profile remains as private as the settings will allow. No students and students' parents on my friend list. I guess you could say that I've made a point to view social networking as strictly a non-school zone. Well, that is all changing now.
While I still won't use my Facebook profile as a way to communicate with students or parents, I am learning that their are other social networking resources that can be used in the classroom. I have never used Ning before, and I must admit that I'm disappointed that it costs money (I'm too broke to purchase subscriptions to every new tool I learn about). Ning allows anyone to create a social networking space. I got the opportunity to view and join a social network that was created on Ning. It is called Classroom 2.0 and I think I'm hooked already.
Classroom 2.0 is a social network specifically for teachers who are interested in technology and using Web 2.0 tools. I have never used social networking in a professional capacity, but I think I'm going to find it very useful. There are several features that I like about Classroom 2.0. There are a lot of discussion forums. Member can post and respond to questions. As I scrolled through the site, I found several discussions that I was interested in. I also like the groups feature on the site. This will help me zone and find other teachers that may have similiar interests, ideas, or needs as myself. Really, the site is a lot like Facebook, but it focuses in on educational practices.
I like the idea that social networking does not have just for general use (like Facebook, but instead can hone in on the interests of a specific group of people. I really liked this quote from the reading I did today for my class: "Network learning is based on the belief that when one of us gets smarter, we all do." I really think that sums up the importance of social networking. It is a great way to learn from one another and collaborate!
I also joined Classroom 2.0 awhile back but had not done too much exploring until this class. I do like seeing what is out there but am many times overwhelmed by it all. I do hope that the more I explore, the more comfortable I will become and will also learn how to quickly filter out what I don't really need. I am learning how to do that with my Google Reader so hopefully it will come with the other tools as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that my Facebook is my personal space...not for school use. However, I am for using social networking in my classroom. I will probably use Ning or Classroom 2.0 i the near future with my middle school students. They seem to live of facebook/social networking sites anyway. They may pay more attention to it than me in the classroom. I think it is a great way to communicate on our students level.
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