Social Networking in Education Presented by Justin R. Clark

A Cartoon to Ponder Is this what Social Networking has done to our learners?

Schools and Online Social Networking Most educators working with middle and high school students are aware of the explosive involvement of youth on social networking sites. The positive in online social networking is make connections or links with other members who share interests or connections. The negative in online social networking is that they do no seek to prohibit harmful activities. The difficult task for schools in general is finding the balance of integrating online social networking in an educational format while still allowing students to express themselves on these same networks.

The Good and the Bad of Online Social Networking In a school environment, social networking for many teens, can offer opportunities for learners to become comfortable in self – expression and friendship building. Social networking does come with legitimate concerns in regard to the school environment that is based on three main factors: 1)The social sites in an education environment would continue to attract many learners, which could lead to some of whom may not make the right choices. 2)Many parents just like at home, may not pay attention to what their children are posting on the sites and can become problematic when it comes to the school environment. 3) The threat of bullying on these sites and attacks towards other learners in a school environment can cause serious damage psychologically as well as emotionally to those being subjected to this abuse through social networking.

Schools Plan for Integrating Social Networking The main question for schools in this online social network debate: Is it appropriate for students to be participating in commercial social networking sites while at school? For the most part, professionals in education says it really is not appropriate but rather limit all non –educational, entertainment use of the Internet, which includes social network activities. Schools primary plan for integrating social networking is utilizing filtering software to deal with not what they are searching online that can be considered inappropriate, but more so what they are posting that might have a lasting affect on other learners in a school environment. So, the new question becomes…What can schools do to provide a balance between education and social networking access?

The Plan for Schools Schools can begin to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing student internet access is necessary which involves four critical steps: 1)Establish a clear cut policy with a strong focus on educationally valuable use of the internet. The policy that will be established must be supported by curriculum and professional development, and a clear expectation for teachers that all student use of the internet should be for high quality, well planned instructional activities. 2) Student education about online safety and responsible use 3) Establish effective technical monitoring of student use of internet. 4. Appropriate consequences by schools and districts should consider a full review of internet and social networking policies and practices.

Just Say No Approach A “just say no” or “just say block” approach to minimizing learners involvement in the long run will not be effective in preventing youth involvement in online communities. Proactive strategies to help students gain the knowledge, skils, and motivation to make safe and responsible choices, and continued adult involvement are necessary. The bottom line is that young learners have to be taught and modeled the correct way to become responsible in online social networking and make sure a fine line is not crossed in being responsible for the content that is all too often learners have the freedom to create through social networking.

Ten Effective Ways Schools Utilize Social Media 1)Integrating Real World Applications into Teaching – Tracking results, using social networking to make mathematics meaningful. 2)Networking with colleagues- expanding and opening up to other professionals through social media. 3)Collaborative Learning – It is a medium to teach the students how to use social media professional manner to help prepare them for working collaboratively in a work environment. 4)Cross – Cultural Communication and Language Learning – Expands learning on a global scale 5)Assessment – end –of-the-unit review of topics can be made through Twitter, Facebook. 6)Distance Learning - Communication tool between district and parents as well as classroom distance – Ed class. 7)Parent Communication. 8)Course Assignment – Having the ability to create a private network focused around course curriculum. 9)Community Outreach – Used to promote various activities, gain feedback, or start conversation between teachers, teachers, or groups. 10)Professional Development – Focuses on using Twitter and Facebook to inform of trends.

Works Cited Schools and Online Social Networking Web Clark, Dorie. ”Why Public School Leaders Must Embrace Social Media Now” n. Page. Web. 23 September Toppo, Greg. “Social media find a place in classroom” n. Page. Web. 25 July 2011 Lederer, Karen. “Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom” n. Page. Web. 19 January 2012 Stansbury, Meris. “Ten ways schools are using social media effectively.” n. Page. Web. 21 October 2011.