Social Networks – NMCC
November 9th, 2011
Social Networks are groups that individuals join to meet and share ideas, hobbies or special interests. Unlike physical social networks, these online communities may be spread across the globe.
The most widely used Social Network site is Facebook with over 7 million users. Social Network sites allow users to create an online profile and connect with other people either by posting a public profile or a closed space that can be used only by known friends and family. These people are in turn all “linked” to each other.
Generally a person shares their interests and can add links or photographs and even blog entries.
I think that social networking is a huge part of student life, but how do we keep them on task? They can get so distracted so easily…nand so can I.
great question! I would love to know the answer to that
I believe they stay focused and on task if the lesson/task is not superficial or “filler” work. n
I think that sometimes what we see as distraction, the students just see it as normalcy.
I think it would be beneficial to be able to use social networks in the classroom.
I agree, but wonder how to manage it so that it is constructive.n
I am unsure about protecting myself on Facebook, that is, filtering–deciding who will see what of items that I post.
I do believe protection is important. I always tell peers and family to create work accounts vs personal accounts. This does help. Also, I agree with Jim that a “digital citizenship constitution” is important.
I used Edmodo last year because I was the teacher for an independent learning student who was advanced in French. It was a great way to communicate with my student daily, if needed, since I only spoke to her in person a few times a week.
Social networking is a wonderful opportunity for students if used properly.
Do any of you have use social networking, such as facebook, in the classroom?
Do any of you use social networking, such as facebook, in the classroom?
What a great source to “make you better”; utilizing your community to know more about your interests
Social networking has allowed me to re-connect with high school friends that have moved to new areas. It also allows me to keep in contact with friends and family that are too far away to see on a regular basis. One of the drawbacks of social networking that I have seen in our school is the use of these sites for bullying. Has anyone else experienced this and if so how has your school handled this problem?
There is definitely a time and place for social networking. Students today definitely have a “need” to use these platforms for communication, but there is a responsibility to demonstrate the necessity of verbal communication as well. I have a 15 year old daughter that demonstrates a “phobia” to talking on the phone.
With social networking being so much a part of student’s lives these days, schools, as well as, parents need to teach positive digital citizenship at the same time (or before) children are learning how to use social networks.n
Social network site users rival that of TV watchers in America. Use is also roughly equal to the combined radio and newspaper consumers in the US.
I believe we need to model DCS using Facebook et al in academic settings.
Classroom management is everything with Social Networking. Teachers not knowing how to manage it scares them.
For me, social networking has evolved over the few year I have been using them. When I began Facebook I was so cautious that I only “friended” close family. Then I started “Farming” and found I was spending way too much time tending my crops. Eventually I widened my friend network and checked it 2-3 times a day. Now, I find that I don’t check every day, but do touch bases and use it as needed. I found it a wonderful support when my husband had a serious health issue and feel my “friends” helped us through a rough time. Currently, I am in several social networks for professional purposes and am discovering such a richness in the sharing.
One of my students with a deep interest in photography wanted to share her new photographs with me. Unfortunately, since she posted them on Facebook they were blocked by our Internet Protection. I was able to unblock, but it was a very frustrating experience for her.
I have experienced this with other things posted to facebook – it is very frustrating to have a really great resource and not be able to use it.
Career & Technical Education social networking has increased substantially over the past four years – with craft exchanges, instructor links, program – to – program exchanges.
One of my favorite social networking tools is to use Ning. nhttp://meholocausteducation.ning.com/n
It is not unusual for me to have my laptop open to Twitter when I am watching a hockey game. My husband does not have the passion that I do, so it gives me a way to share with others.