Blog 4: Social Networking & SLMCs
Melissa Campbell
Social networking sites are everywhere on the
internet. They are almost overwhelming at times. You cannot possibly join all
of them or you would constantly be using some piece of technology, or maybe you
are. We use them to stay in contact with friends, network, and learn more about
our interests. Do social networking sites belong in schools, or should they
stay at home? “The allure of online social networking websites is that not only
do they provide a virtual environment allowing members to interact with family
and friends, but they also greatly expand the channels to social discovery” (Courtney,
2007).
I
do think that social networking sites can be used to the schools advantage.
There is a time and a place for them and it is important that they are used
properly. A clear purpose needs to be established for them with the staff and
students. As I stated before my school does not use many social networking
applications. I think there is a fear that comes along with them, because they
are so new and many people do not know a lot about them. When Fiehn (2008)
interviewed media specialists on the topic she found a sense of hesitation with
some excitement. Along with a, we will see what happens, attitude. Some of the
teachers are still trying to get used to interactive boards and document
cameras. Exploring social networking with their students just seems
overwhelming and scary. I think it is important to take it one step at a time.
Don’t try and tackle every networking site at once. The media and
administration team can collaboratively decide which social networking site
would benefit the school the most. Then the media team can work with teachers
to establish knowledge and a level of comfort before it is used with students.
Currently
my school does not use many social networking sites in the library or the
school. Some of the sites, Facebook and Twitter, are blocked to teachers and
students, although the PTA does have a Facebook page. Teachers do have their
own websites, but the requirements are very basic. Youtube, wikis, and blogging
are not blocked, but are not utilized. I do feel that my school is forward
thinking when it comes to the curriculum and news approaches to teaching and
learning, but technology is thought of more as actual items. Not tools that can
be accessed through the Web. We do have many pieces of technology that the
teachers use often, such as Smartboards, document cameras, and individual
keyboards, but the idea of social networking doesn’t seem to be a topic of
conversation. So many teachers talk about it as pertains to their personal
lives, but not their academic lives. I do teach at an elementary school. Sometimes
I think it would be easier to use social sites with older students, but with
that come different risks.
In
elementary school Google can be very overwhelming and not always safe. That is
how social networking sites are viewed. There are many kid friendly and safe
alternatives to Google. Where students can search and explore the internet safely
and understand what they are reading. Why can’t we use a similar approach to
social networking. Metz’s (2008) article discusses ways to adjust privacy
settings, monitor students, and educate students and parents on social
networking. There are many sites that have examples for keeping everyone safe
while using social networking.
I
think blogging would be a fun social networking tool to incorporate with my
students. A class or media center could set up a blog and write about different
topics that are being learned at the time. This gives students a chance to
write about what they are learning about and see what other students have to
say and share. In my third grade class this would be a fun activity to do in
small groups or as a whole class. I think it would make learning about new
topics more fun. I also like the idea of social networking involving books, such
as the site LibraryThing. It would give students an opportunity to build an
online library and keep track of what they like to read. If the class set up a
group them we could all communicate with each other and the whole school. It
would get students more involved and excited about reading.
Social
networking is something we all use and enjoy. It does not have to be a scary
idea that is only for home and not safe at school. As long as the process of
how it will be used is thought out, and safety precautions are taken, then it
can be used to strengthen teaching and learning.
Courtney, N. (Ed.). (2007). Library
2.0 and beyond: Innovative technologies and
tomorrow’s
user. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Fiehn, B
(2008, September). Social
networking and your library OPAC! Internet
@ Schools.
Retrieved
March 4, 2013, from http://www.mmischools.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=59618
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteThere are many comments within your post that I agree with. I too believe that many educators are hesitant to embrace social networking out of fear of the unknown, and the learning curve involved in learning yet another new area. Many do associate social networking with the 'google' idea of a simple search that can quickly turn into an abundance of inappropriate material. The fear is that opening up social networking to students can also quickly turn in the wrong direction.
I watched a teacher at my school 3 or 4 years ago use blogging in her classroom of 5th graders. She had them blogging written responses, as a means of peer review, persuasive, etc. It was awesome when she came into the media center once or twice a week so that her students could use our computers. It did require her to spend time monitoring and approving, but her students got so much out it. She has since moved out of state, but I would love to see how she has progressed with this area since she really was innovative at that time.
On the other hand, I really dislike going out and seeing families and couples doing nothing but playing with or using a device. Sometimes I think they need to be put down and ignored. I have very conflicting thoughts over the use of social media in our schools, and I need more blogs to help me make up my mind!
It sounds like we teach in very similar school systems. We are an advanced system, on top of the game in so many aspects, but technology is items. 100% agree... I hear technology this and technology that ALL the time, but I never hear about using social networking (in any form) mentioned. It's use the ActiVotes, use the document camera, put your students on IXL and Study Island, but none of these methods of technology allow students to take ownership in the work. I really feel like if we are going to use technology effeciently and effectively, we have to have student buy in, staff buy in, and parental buy in.
ReplyDeleteYou also made the point of one step at a time. Again, I totally agree. I think my goal would be to pick one social networking tool, learn all the ends and outs for myself, think of ways to connect it to the curriculum, and implement. I think I would steer clear of Facebook. It is too fun and too social which means too many distractions. I think I would start with something like blogging. I also work with 3rd grade students and I think that is a great age to really get students independently (or in teams) working on blogging. I could totally see teaching science and social studies standards through blogging especially key people and habitats. With that being said, I also have to get up the nerve to take that leap and start trying to implement the blogs. I think my biggest concern is lost teaching time, something that is so sacred especially in 3rd grade.
I think one of the biggest problems with all of this (as mentioned in the Fiehn article) is that so many educators do not understand exactly what is involved with social networking. The image that comes to mind for many is simply FaceBook/MySpace type things, something that would not work at all in younger grades and may not be desired in high schools. What many do not realize is that social networking can be as simple as students using Destiny to rate or review books, sharing that information with others. What is so scary about that?
ReplyDeleteBlogging is another avenue that makes sense in schools. We have had 4th - 6th grade students blogging for awhile now, and quite successfully at that. It is such an easy way to have the students collaborate and give input to one another. I had students utilize their blog site for blogs that went beyond the academically-oriented assigned blog posts, and it was wonderful to see how well they used it. Of course, I was monitoring each post, so they knew I was always aware of what they were saying, so it wasn't surprising that they were using it appropriately! Blogging also led to some wonderful writing skills lessons, particularly on how to write an appropriate comment that went beyond, "I loved your post. Awesome job!" There is just so much good you can get out of blogging, I think every teacher should try it! The critical part (that you mentioned in your post, Melissa) is that a clear purpose needs to be established before beginning. There are certainly valid ways to use blogging that will enhance the students' educational experiences.
I enjoyed reading Melissa's blog as well as the comments made by Betsy, Erin, and Meredith. As a teacher and parent, I initially "fear" the internet for harmful content, however as I remember being a student (when computers were still pretty rare) and being more engaged in lessons when any type of media (record, VHS, or early computers in our schools). Because of how I've seen my own daughter (when properly monitored) enjoy learning via the internet from safe sites such as pbs.com to mainstream sites such as as YouTube (she sings karaoke to kids songs and pop songs), I feel that there are two sides to the coin. Proper education (for teachers and students involved) as well as planned focus for each networking tool are the two things that matter most.
ReplyDeleteBlogging may something that would be able to be done as young as first grade for book reviews. Then the students would get reading, writing, and keyboarding skils. I learned my keyboarding skills on a typewriter in 1987 and I am grateful that I kept them up. I can't imagine a day without typing on my desktop, laptop, or phone. That's the world we live in and for our students that's the world they were born into. It's all they know. Sometimes they even know more than we do.
Starting small, and working on one social networking tool via blog or part of Destiny's book review links, a media specialist can help encourage interactive communication among students. Literacy will be more enjoyable for some, as using the computer changes the whole outlook on assignments or units of study. I definitely see the positives outweigh the negatives.
Rebecca MurrayMarch 11, 2013 at 5:40 PM
ReplyDeleteAt my school, many if not most teachers , maintain some type of social networking account for their students (i.e., Edmodo, Twitter, blogs, etc.). It is encouraged by our administration, as well. I think many teachers are afraid of using these sites because of all the poor decisions of a few educators; however, those few shouldn't sip the rest of us from using these sites as educational tools.
My main drawback to utilizing social networking is time and remembering to update. I had to place a disclaimer on my syllabus stating that my forgetfulness to update or post a deadline was not an excuse to turn an assignment in late. Also, you wouldn't believe how many parents have asked if I maintain a blog or if I have a website. It is a definite sign of the times we live in, and as educators, we must adjust.
I think social networking can be a great place for students to interact with peers and also with adults. I can see where programming that teaches about internet safety, etiquette, and cyber bullying can really help students and parents understand precautions the school is taking to ensure that social networking is safe within the school. I think of all of the character building that happens when there's good, wholesome sharing and discussion going on through social networking.
ReplyDeleteAssociare.com has an investors circle composed of businessmen and other investors looking for businesses to fund.- Associare Social Networking
ReplyDelete