Is it all just lol or are the kids doing something? SOCIAL NETWORKING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR POSITIVE PEER-TO-PEER ENGAGEMENT, LEARNING, & ACTION
Presentation overview Ellen’s PhD research focused on youth-created social media groups Mary’s participation with Make a Change! Be Environmentally Friendly! Discussion of how interest-based social media groups provide opportunities for: Engagement Learning Action Ellen Field, James Cook University – Mary Konobo Jr, University of Papua New Guinea –
Ellen’s research Focused on the substance, structure, and dynamics of interest- driven informal learning within youth-created social media sites
Make a Change! Be Environmentally Friendly! Social networking group focused on environmental awareness and education. Provide and exchange information among young people and interested individuals
Engagement
Social network analysis Friendship analysisInteractions analysis
Engagement cont.
Learning Findings from research: Mary’s reflection: Sharing content and discussing issues Informal Education
Action Interest-driven and youth-created environmental groups can take action in the following ways: Petition sharing Volunteering experience Fundraising Event planning and promoting (school, non-profit, or independent cause focused) Communicating with wider audience Mary’s reflection Individual choice for action Make A Change. Be Environmentally Friendly! is a gateway and an opportunity to take responsible action
Conclusion Importance of social networking sites for young people to share and discuss issues that are affecting their lives and communities. If formal education institutions or organizations adopt Facebook group practices, how will that affect youth engagement, learning, and action?