Social Networks Facebook, and Ning Chpt 9 By. Lucson Noel

Who created Facebook  Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook. on October 28, 2003  He did this because he wanted to come up with a social network that will allow people to exchange ideas as well as communicate to one another.  According to Social Media Today, in April 2010 an estimated 41.6% (129.5 million) of the U.S. population had a Facebook account  As of September 2012, Facebook has over one billion active users

How to use Facebook  Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile,  add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile.  Additionally, users may join common-interest user groups, organized by workplace, school or college, or other characteristics, and categorize their friends into lists such as "People From Work" or "Close Friends".  Everyone's page can be viewed unless the user set it for private, and that’s when only friends can view your page and photos. 

Facebook In The Classroom  As a teacher if your using Facebook be smart on what you put on your page, and friending your students  Some school might have a policy on whether or not if its okay to use Facebook, and socializing with students  To be safe teacher can create private groups, where classes can exchange information, write on each others walls, and answer questions.  Students can get to know each other more better and communicate with each other on classroom discussing and homework

Advantages teachers have  Get to know them in a whole different light – students share their likes, hobbies, and more. Really getting to know your students transfers into a better experience in the classroom and a better ability to reach every student.  Create an open and supportive environment – if you are open to it, students could even send you a quick chat message if they are stuck on a homework question in the evening.  Keep up with students years later – there is no doubt you are one of your students’ favorite teachers ever. Keep in touch and communicate years after they leave your classroom.

Why every educator, school, and organization needs a Facebook “fan” page  Fan pages allow you to distribute announcements, blog posts, events, assignments, and more right into the “live streams” of those that “fan” your page.  This is better than using your personal profile because there is no need for parents or students to be your friends to get the updates, and it can really be used to develop an online community around your class or school.  Parents can see what their child is learning in class, and see that their child's teacher is serious about learning  Example of a teachers fan page Page/

NING  Ning is very similar to Facebook, its just another way to for social networking  Ning site are totally self contained, it is open to those who you only want to participate, it can be totally private. 