Social Networking Technologies

            Social networking has evolved over the past ten to fifteen years from basic email to instant messaging, and now to Facebook and Edutopia.  These networking sites have changed the way we look at how we connect with others not only in our own back yards, but worldwide.  We can use these networking sites as an educational tool if used properly.  There are many benefits to social networking; Bandura states that, “people learn through observation” (Cherry, 2012, Pg. 1), what better place to start than social networks. 

                        According to an article posted in Science News, “When asked what they learn from using social networking sites, the students listed technology skills as the top lesson, followed by creativity, being open to new or diverse views and communication skills” (Science News, 2008, Pg. 1).  What this shows is that students who use social networking for educational purposes have better computer skills and are better prepared for college, and workforce ready.  The article also states that, “students are developing a positive attitude towards using technology systems, editing and customizing content and thinking about online design and layout. They're also sharing creative original work like poetry and film and practicing safe and responsible use of information and technology. The Web sites offer tremendous educational potential" (Science News, 2008). Sharing papers, websites for research, instant messaging for collaboration and multimedia tools via social networking is a tool that many schools should incorporate into their curriculum.  One such website that offers an educational aspect is Facebook https://www.facebook.com/.   It is estimated that there are 54.1 million Facebook accounts registered to people between the ages of 25 and 44 in the United States alone.  Imagine the possibilities for education for students’ within that age range.  Not excluding people over 44 which approximate 45.3 million.  Tools within Facebook are educational pages where students can go and compare notes, talk about assignments and share information.  They can get different views of information from students around the world consequently widening their learning styles. 

            A second social network for education is Edutopia.  This organization was founded by the George Lucas Foundation where teachers, students, and parents can come together to promote and innovate education.  The web site is found at: http://www.edutopia.org/.  On this site students can browse by grade levels, view blogs, view videos, and get free classroom guides and educational downloads.  I found this to be a great site for students K-12 with core strategies such as Comprehensive assessment, Project-based learning, and Technology Integration.  At Edutopia, there are many blogs a student can go to for information.  Some blog topics are, Assessment, Education Trends, Student Engagement, and much more. 

          Some drawbacks to social networking in education are Distractions, Cyber bullying, and it discourages face-to-face communication.  Some of the distractions are students visiting sites that are detrimental to the learning experience.  Also, students must be aware of false information in social media.  Many opinions are bias and incorrect, so students must be aware what sites and who they are speaking to.  To resolve this, instructors could place filters on each site so students couldn’t wonder.  In a study about cyberbullying at Indiana State University, researchers Christine Macdonald and Bridget Roberts-Pittman found that almost 22 percent of college students admit to being harassed online. Of this group, 25 percent report they were bullied through a social networking site.  Again it is the job of the instructor to put an end to such activity in his/her classroom.  If cyberbullying occurs on a certain site, then the instructor can use a different site to end it.  And finally, social networking discourages face-to-face communication.  I feel instant messaging eases this concern some, but with instant messaging a student can’t see facial expressions, body language, and voice fluxuations that would define someone view on information better. 

            The school I teach at is having a difficult time allowing social media in their classrooms.  Social networking is seen as a distraction rather than a education tool.  I have argued the falseness of this viewpoint and finally got the Medical department to purchase twenty six iPads for our students.  That’s twenty six for the whole department, not just my classes.  A problem with having only twenty six iPads is that students save material and we are having memory issues.  Once a month we clear the memory on the iPads and begin new lessons.  I am currently having conversations about how social networking can aid learning in our institution.  Along with Moodle, the textbook websites, study groups, and tutoring, this could add another tool for students to learn.  The argument has been an uphill process so far because some of our administrators are traditional in their teaching philosophies, but I feel they are beginning to see the light.    

            In conclusion, while the debate over social networking in the classroom continues, there is no doubt the impact social networking has on our students.  Every year students come out of high school more tech savvy.  It would be prudent for high schools, colleges, and universities to jump on the social networking bandwagon and incorporate these techniques into the classroom.

References

Lederer, K. (2012). Pros and cons of social media in the classroom. Campus Technology, 1.

Wells, R. (2010). 41.6% of the us population has a Facebook account. Social Media Today, 1.

(2012). Educational benefits of social networking sites uncovered. Science Daily, 1.