Social Networking Sites, which is also known as SNS’s, is a
website that facilitates a group people who can share interest, information,
activities, and are able to make real life connections with other users. The process involves users completing
profiles with include information about the user, as well as, some of the social
links they use. Each Social Networking
website operates a little differently, but the majority of the guidelines and
general aspects are the very similar.
Some SNS’s allow their users to create posts, blogs, upload images and
videos, send private messages, and allow their users to use instant messaging
services.
There are many Social Networking sites available for
internet users today. The first Social
Networking site was first created in the late 1990’s. Since then, there has been a vast creation of
social networking sites, with each site operating and pertaining to different
interests and groups. Some of the most
popular SNS’s available today are Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +,
Myspace, Linkedin, and CafeMom.
One of the most popular educational SNS’s is Edmodo. Edmodo is a recent social network that allows
teachers, parents, and students to view information about their class. It is basically a website that allow teachers
to have a “virtual classroom.” Through
Edmodo, teachers can posts assignments, add and delete material for students to
use as guides or complete assignments, teacher and students can create posts
and ask questions about certain aspects of class, as well as, students have the
opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with other students in the
classroom. I personally think Edmodo is
a wonderful social network for all parties to enjoy in an educational setting. It gives teachers, parents, and students to
the opportunity to get involved in the classroom and to ensure their student in
being successful.
At the school I am at, our county does firewall most social
networking sites, such as Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. However, the county has allowed for Edmodo to
be viewable, which is understandable since it is an educational website. I think that certain SNS’s should be blocked
at school, just for the main reason of being liable for any potential “wrong
doings” that students can run into. I
also think that certain SNS’s should be limited to certain ages. For the past couple of years, I have had more
and more of my third graders who have developed Facebook pages. Some of them have been “banned” from using
the site, due to bullying and inappropriate language. If a child and/or minor is using a SNS, I
believe they should be monitored and guided through the process. However, if SNS’s are used in a proper
setting and there is proper guidance and monitoring throughout the process, I
think SNS’s are a great tool for teacher, students, and parents to use.
As I read the end of your post, I was thinking about the age requirement for Facebook. While many of my former and current student's use social networking, primarily Facebook, you are supposed to be 13 years old to have an account. Our school does have a FB page that is used to communicate with parents. I agree that Edmodo is a better choice to use with students, especially elementary and middle school students.
ReplyDeleteAs many good and educational uses that are available for social networking sites, the possibility of abuse is still high. I am sure the issues that you have discussed are some the same that have kept school district from making the SNS available at school. It is a thin line in accessin the liability issues involved. Facebook, twitter and other popular sites have many positive and negative results. How does a teacher monitor what the student is posting? What discipline action can be taken?
ReplyDeleteSome students would never break the rules. Other students spend their time thinking of ways to push the envelope. My school district has chosen to block the SNS. At this point, I agree. Parent, student and teacher training will be needed to establish the guidelines for SNS usage in the school district.
I really like how you said parent, student, and teacher training at the end of your comment. I think this is something that schools are going to have to incorporate into their curriculums and after school programs. Parents need to be educated on ways to help teach their children at home the correct ways to use the internet. Parents need to be held accountable for their children's actions on computers at home as well as at school. Thanks for making me think about that.
DeleteI completely agree that most SNS should be blocked by school systems. There is just too much opportunity for harm. I can’t believe there are parents who let their third graders have Facebook pages. I hope mom and dad are monitoring the things their kids are putting out there. It seems really dangerous to me.
ReplyDeleteNow, Edmodo sounds great, and I really need to learn more. They have been pushing teachers at my school to use it this year, and there are different training sessions available. It seems like a safer way to keep in touch with students and parents.
Yes I agree that some social media sites need to be blocked because they have so many things that can cause legal issues. Social Media networks can be a great tool in the classroom. Students can connect and interact with students all over the world. Imagine working on an assignment with students in China. This would excite and motivate many students. It also helps students with their writing skills. I was one of those teachers that loved doing the mail system with other teachers in the school then Epals. When social media came along, there was a "bad-boy" tag attached to them so I decided not to even bother. I like the idea that companies are at least trying to work with teachers and create safe social media sites to use in the classroom. Now we just have to get the districts to buy into the plan!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the information about Edmodo. I have never heard of that and will have to look into it for future class use. It is difficult to know what works and does not work when it comes to social network sites. Students really enjoy these sites, but there has to be way to teach students the appropriate way to go about using these sites. These blogs have made me begin thinking about social networking sites and school districts and if they could be helpful or just harmful to the school's reputation and community. It will be interesting to see how these types of issues are handled in the future.
ReplyDelete