Social Networking in the School

Activity! If you have a computer with you, please go to Type your name in the blue text box and click “Join.” During the presentation, share your thoughts with the class by typing them in the blue text box and clicking “Say.” Please feel free to respond to the messages of your classmates! If you do not have a computer with you, please record your thoughts on the paper we provide. We look forward to reading your feedback!

Defining Social Networking Strict Definition: (boyd, 2007) ◦ Profile ◦ List of Connections ◦ Viewable/Traversible Connections List Loose Definition: (YALSA, 2009) ◦ Connection ◦ Collaboration ◦ Community

Cons Privacy issues Cyberbullying Marketing Relationship dynamics Time/attention management Security risks

Pros Digital citizenship Creative outlet with authentic audience Multimodality Alternative forum for feedback/discussion Adaptation to new technology Communication across communities, nations, the globe!

Obstacles DOPA/CIPA Reluctance Ease of use Accountability Accessibility Technical capabilities

Enabling Factors Administrative support Safe social software Unique usernames and passwords Public library education initiatives Availability, versatility, portability of technology Usability Open source movement

Current Usage School districts report: 96% of teachers assign internet-related homework 95% of teachers use web for communication 88% of schools subscribe to online education management systems Structured online professional communities have 50-90% participation (NSBA, 2007)

Social Networking for Schools Saywire L3rn/Medley ClassBlogMeister edublogs SchoolTube TeacherTube

Proprietary Networks in Schools ESPN Rise Second Life Google Wikis Ning Twitter

Case Study: The Flat Classroom Project Participants: Students in US and Bangladesh Content: Trends from Thomas Friedman’s The World Is Flat (2005) Tools: Blogs, wikis, video, voice chat, social bookmarking, RSS feeds, podcasts, photos Assessment: Student-produced wikis

Major Players in Educational Social Networking David Warlick, Vicki Davis, Julie Lindsay, Sue Waters, Will Richardson,

Kimberly Hirsh, Jane McMahon, and Kathryn Roth are done with their presentation.