Most schools today do not allow social networking to take place because there is a fear that still surrounds this type of technology. While there are still concerns about using social networking in schools, there are many positives that may outweigh the bad. Many great things can come from using social networks in schools, like collaboration, questioning, and staying caught up on work. The main benefit I see to using social networking with students is the opportunity it gives us to teach them how to be responsible users. I believe the main problem among social network users today is that they have no idea how filter what they put on the internet. Teaching students about proper netiquette is, to me, the most important part of teaching with technology. When students have learned what is appropriate and what isn't, it makes it easier to allow the use of social networking within assignments. Then students can blog, do peer reviews, catch up on missed assignments, watch or listen to educational videos and/or podcasts, and share information with others. This type of work mirrors what students will one day do in their jobs, which is great for them to learn early so that they will be able to transition into the work world easily.
The downside to using social media in schools is that it will, at some point, be abused. Unfortunately, behaviors on social networking can't always be monitored and can lead to some serious offenses like cyberbullying. This is the most common and scariest trend that social media has seen recently and sadly, it's fueled several suicides over the last few years. I think this is the biggest reason that many are scared to use it because it's hard to keep track of what students do outside of school. It's easy for students to continue to bully a child after school hours without anyone knowing what's going on. Another concern is that students will gain access to inappropriate material and share it instantly. We live in a society where information can be shared and spread very quickly in a small amount of time, which can also compound bullying issues. Another concern I have is that adults will abuse the very tools they give to students. If students see adults abusing technology, they are more likely to do it also. So, while there are some great benefits to using social media in schools, the negative effects could cost someone their job or life if not monitored correctly.
Hi Julie,
ReplyDelete“Social networks are kind of like what the mall used to be on a Friday night,” said Alicia Yaffe. The question is can we manage social networks in schools and are they beneficial? The fact is that school leaders need to keep online interactions positive with the intent to learn. Teachers and administration need to report any incident of harassment, or anything that is inappropriate on or offline just as they would in the hallway. Leaders need to ensure all of the school community understands the appropriate use of social media. All in all similarities between digital social networking are very much the same as typical social interactions. All social interactions demand the same level of citizenship and consciences for misconduct.
Nice post,
Jason
Source: "Are Social Networks Like a Mall?" June 9, 2009.
P.S. I believe were on the same page. Please read my post.
Great post! I agree that teaching digital citizenship and netiquette are key to being able to use social media in education. An upper elementary teacher who I met at a conference last year said that she spends the first month or two of the year covering these skills. Students are not allowed to use computers or tablets until they demonstrate knowledge and understanding of these skills. Unfortunately, as you said, there are still those students who will make poor choices even though they know better. We just have to keep trying.
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