By: Beth Holcomb
Social networking websites are internet tools that allow learners to use podcasts, tags, blogs, wikis, glogster, Flicker, and other online resources to improve their knowledge of the curriculum. These social networking websites can allow teachers to use podcasts in the classroom. The media specialist can include a blog on the library's website, and students can collaborate and make class wikis. Students can learn from the online interaction with others and post their work to allow other individuals to see their assignments.
These websites also promote information literacy skills. The students learn about potential computer resources and improve their knowledge of the internet. The teacher can use these websites to teach students how to analyze the information on the internet and use resources that include correct content. The teacher can also use social networking websites to post assignment requirements, build curriculum activities, and interact with students.
Many teachers argue that social networking websites should be allowed in the classroom; however, there are inadequacies with these resources. Schools must promote student safety. Students can learn fundamental curriculum information on these internet tools; however, other individuals can post obscene information or text that could be inappropriate for minors. The schools' internet filters often filter these tools to reduce the probability that students see this adult information. The teacher cannot regulate what other learners write on these websites; therefore, students can quickly see inappropriate information while trying to complete curriculum assignments.
I think that the use of these websites should be impacted by the grade range and learning aptitudes of the students. A high school teacher could allow students to collaborate in groups and create a class wiki on the foreign policy of Richard Nixon. These students would have the opportunity to use the social networking websites and customize their page. These students are inclined to have more knowledge of the internet and the ability to use information literacy skills than elementary school children. An elementary school teacher could use a podcast on George Washington to teach students about this subject. The elementary school students would not have the freedom to use the internet as individuals; however, the teacher could use this social networking resource to improve the classroom activity. The teacher would regulate what the elementary school students would see and reduce the potential for inappropriate information. I imply that the teacher can build curriculum activities and customize the use of social networking websites using the grade of the students.
I also would encourage teachers, parents, and students to use the Social Networking Basics website www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/videotutorials/myspace/index.html to learn about how to use social networking websites and protect students on the internet.
I think that social networking websites can improve the design of classroom activities and can be used to motivate students. Students can learn from the posts of other classmates, customize wikis, and use social networking websites to learn about curriculum subjects; however, I think that teachers should check the websites often and interpret if they are appropriate for the classroom.
I agree with you Beth that social networking and the use of it in schools does tend to be linked with age appropriateness. I teach multiple grade levels during the week in an elementary school. I think that if my 5th graders were properly instructed how to use a social networking site such as Edmodo, they would really enjoy it. It would be hard for me to justify using it with my 1st graders, when they are just learning how to use the keyboard. I have used sites such as Flickr with my older students and you have to be very careful just like with any other web search engine such as Google. I think that the real key is informing parents, teachers, and students on how to use these social networking sites properly and safely. If we give them the proper tools, then the sites will provided a lot of excellent resources for the students.
ReplyDeleteTeachers can use the sites to help build their curriculum. For example, on Edmodo, there is a blog page for teachers. As I was reviewing the site, teachers from all across the world were responding to teacher’s questions about topics they were going to teach. They were sharing websites and giving reviews/descriptions for the teachers. This is a great way for teachers to collaborate! I think that SAFE social networking is going to be up and coming thing in the very near future.
You mentioned several helpful uses of social networking tools. I like the idea of a media specialist publishing a blog on the media center website. This could serve as a platform for regular communication about the media program, maybe taking the place of a monthly newsletter or just a supplement. Also, as I’m learning more about social networking myself, I see the benefit of using wikis for student projects. This would potentially allow them to collaborate and work jointly on their projects even while they are away from school.
ReplyDeleteAnother issue that you covered is that of student safety. I appreciate your suggestion about adjusting the amount of student control with social networking tools, depending on the age of the students. Just because you may work with elementary students doesn’t mean that you can’t utilize these kinds of tools. The way that they interact with them may be more limited, but the students can still benefit from many of these kinds of resources. The media specialist should do their best to coach teachers, parents, and students on how to use social networking tools safely and responsibly.
I agree with you when you say that students can become more motivated to learn in the classroom through the use of social networking tools. Middle and high school students already use Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and a host of other tools in their personal time. They should feel right at home using similar tools in the classroom. Podcasts, blogs, virtual posters, like Glogster and many others could be very engaging for Elementary students. I think that when we’re speaking their language and presenting instruction in creative ways, we get them interested and have the opportunity to achieve a higher level of learning.
Thank you for posting the link for Social Networking safety. Before taking this class I knew very little about what is available for students since my students are so young and are still learning the alphabet and early reading skills. After doing some searches on the Internet for interesting podcasts that can be used by students I have a completely different view. There were some school web sites that had podcast links but I also found some sites that linked me to podcasts that were more appropriate for adults. Luckily I didn't find anything inappropriate. To me it was just a good example of how students can wander onto a site that they don't need to be on. The younger students don't have the internal filtering ability to leave these sites and I think the older students choose to find these sites so they can feel more grown up.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that students need to be monitored when working online. My biggest concern is that there are so many students and not enough adults. With all of the budget cuts and changes in class sizes there seems to be more and more students and less and less adult help. Most students will do the right thing but there will be a few that will try to do things that they shouldn't. I think that it is probably very difficult for Media Specialists to monitor students. I think that there may be times where the other students end up serving as the monitors because they know what their peers are doing. I've seen students either click off sites when a teacher approaches or they click onto the approved site so it looks like they are doing what they are supposed to. I feel like there may be more stipulations added to Library Acceptable Use Policies as technology becomes more and more prevalant in schools.
Love, Love, Love the idea of having a virtual blog for the media center. It is an awesome way to determine what books are wanted by students, or have students post answers there. Some will also allow them to attach files to the page.
ReplyDeleteOn top of all the benefits for students, it can also make teachers’ lives easier. Now, those discussions that HAD to happen during class can happen after school. That is great for people like me, who hated tugging papers home to grade.
Plus, students are motivated – not only because of the cool factor but because their homework is to talk to one another. Something they’re often disciplined for in school has become their job, and suddenly their voice and opinion matters. You may even find they are willing to say more. It matters so much to them that it can be seen and read and responded to.
A common thread seems to be student safety while using social networking sites. I liked the Secure Social Networking article for the ideas it gave on how to help keep students safe while using social networking tools. Of course, nothing is fool-proof. The fact is that it does potentially expose students to inappropriate content, and it is difficult to monitor the content constantly. However, I do think the benefits outweigh the risks. Social networking helps students get excited about school work and at the same time gives them tools they will use in their personal and professional life.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you note the information literacy skills that these tools can promote. Of course they are present in the Standards for the 21st Century Learner. With so much information available, from so many devices (e.g. computers, smartphones, tablets, ...), it is critical that our students learn to decide which of these available sources provides accurate information, if any.
ReplyDeleteSo many teacher are evaluated with tools that include language about promoting a safe learning environment; you acknowledge this when you discuss the impact of filters on these social tools. The debate that ensues regarding these filters has already been covered in our class. Educators that want to moderate their blogs to prevent inappropriate content have to exchange time for their vigilance. Some research indicates that strict acceptable use policies can help teachers trying to stay ahead, or at least abreast, of the technology curve.
I like how you mention setting up a blog on the media center web page for students to post to. I like the idea of the media center web page being a place where everyone - students, faculty, staff, parents - can come together and share information and ideas. I also like the idea of allowing students and others to contribute to this web space, instead of just having access to resources.
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