By Pamela Comer EDLD 5362 Informational Systems Management

“Social networks are a defining characteristic used to describe the advent of Web 2.0 as the transition from the web as a static tool of document storage to an interactive network inviting collaboration on all levels." Dallas McPheeters (March, 2009)

Facebook's mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. Millions of people use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet.

 World’s largest social network – over 250 million users  Students are connected – “always on”  85% of college students use Facebook (Arrington, 2005)  60% log-in every day (Arrington, 2005)  Effective method of communicating with students  Instant messaging feature  Ability to share photos, links, and attachments  Ability to schedule and invite students to events  Students personally prefer social networking (Facebook, MySpace, etc.), instant messaging, and text messaging over e- mail. (Olsen, 2007)

Engaging students Connecting students Publicizing events Sharing information Recognizing students

State of the Blogosphere A blog is a collaborative space. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. A blog is whatever you want it to be. In simple terms, a blog is a web site, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your readers can read what's new. Then they comment on it or link to it or you. Or not. Since Blogger was launched in 1999, blogs have reshaped the web, impacted politics, shaken up journalism, and enabled millions of people to have a voice and connect with others.

Blogs connect :  Teachers to blogs  Student to blogs  Teachers to Students  Teachers to the Community  Student to Students Easy to use Allows for informal dialogue Promotes casual discussion Freedom of expression Exploration and discovery

Connecting Students Communicating Information Encouraging literacy skills

Blogs  Enhance knowledge and understanding  Allow students to explore, filter, and publish  Strengthen motivation & commitment  Increase participation  Promote dialogue between participants and staff members Facebook Sharpens literacy skills Promotes self-discovery and social development Increases the level of engagement in program services Enhances program retention Leads to student success

 Arrington, M. (2005, September 7). 85% of college students use Facebook. Techcrunch.com. Retrieved January 24, 2010, from  McPheeters, D. (2009, March). Social networking technologies in education. Tech and Learning. Retrieved on January 24,2010 from  Olsen, S. (2007, July 18). Kids say is, like, soooo dead. News.com. Retrieved January 24, 2010, from 