Reynard, R. (2009). Beyond social networking: building toward learning communities. Campus Technology, Retrieved from http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2009/07/22/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx?Page=1
Summary:
Reynard focuses this article on the purpose of social networking, its place in a classroom, and the vitality of expanding student's knowledge and use of information to share ideas and knowledge with other people. By focusing on the uses of social networks and their impact on our society, she distinguishes that while an integral part of our world, they must be used with caution and purpose. Web 2.0 technology offers much for its users, but again, must be understood and adapted when appropriate.
Focusing on learning with social networking, the author maintains that using social networking sites to connect with students, or to connect students to information must be done with caution. When teachers breach the privacy of their students, or vice-versa, troubles may arise. By only utilizing the networks when doing group assignments, or implementing particular class pages, students will see the use of the networking site as relevant and interesting, rather than invasive. Social networking offers learning a community to share ideas and information, but teachers must remain present and incorporate a variety of tools to help keep the learning relevant. Including the use of blogs, wikis, and personal web sites are a great way to share information as a class, when done with safety and precautions.
Other valuable aspects of social networking include publishing ideas and receiving feedback from multiple sources, other than just the teacher. Also, the value of learning to communicate with others is a plus, which includes learning to negotiate, simulations, and collective intelligences. Students who engage with others in new venues often succeed in school for they are presented with multiple opinions, ideas, and criticisms. However, above all it is the duty of the teacher to ensure that this shared knowledge is done consistently in a safe environment for students.
Focusing on learning with social networking, the author maintains that using social networking sites to connect with students, or to connect students to information must be done with caution. When teachers breach the privacy of their students, or vice-versa, troubles may arise. By only utilizing the networks when doing group assignments, or implementing particular class pages, students will see the use of the networking site as relevant and interesting, rather than invasive. Social networking offers learning a community to share ideas and information, but teachers must remain present and incorporate a variety of tools to help keep the learning relevant. Including the use of blogs, wikis, and personal web sites are a great way to share information as a class, when done with safety and precautions.
Other valuable aspects of social networking include publishing ideas and receiving feedback from multiple sources, other than just the teacher. Also, the value of learning to communicate with others is a plus, which includes learning to negotiate, simulations, and collective intelligences. Students who engage with others in new venues often succeed in school for they are presented with multiple opinions, ideas, and criticisms. However, above all it is the duty of the teacher to ensure that this shared knowledge is done consistently in a safe environment for students.
Response:
Ruth Reynard offers great insight into the value of social networks in this article, and provides helpful tips for teachers who desire to implement them within a classroom. While many see the use of social networks as mere a word processing device, her opinion that these networks open the doors to a world of new ideas and creativity helps teachers and administrators understand the importance of using them in the classroom. Most students today realistically have a social networking site, therefore teaching safe internet precautions is simply common sense at this point. However, moving beyond the 'social' aspect of these sites and into the sharing of knowledge is what Reynard stresses as key.
I found Reynard's information about publishing ideas quite helpful. When a student is given a task, no matter how menial or valuable, if they only believe it will get read by the teacher, most will not put as much work or thought into it, than if it were read by more people. Knowing information would be published effected the attitude and product of many students, all resulting in more quality work. The same goes for a student sharing their findings with others. Feeling accomplished in something definitely creates meaning for learning, and thus helps students more effectively in the long run. And that, I believe, is reason enough to incorporate social networking in the classroom.
Ruth Reynard offers great insight into the value of social networks in this article, and provides helpful tips for teachers who desire to implement them within a classroom. While many see the use of social networks as mere a word processing device, her opinion that these networks open the doors to a world of new ideas and creativity helps teachers and administrators understand the importance of using them in the classroom. Most students today realistically have a social networking site, therefore teaching safe internet precautions is simply common sense at this point. However, moving beyond the 'social' aspect of these sites and into the sharing of knowledge is what Reynard stresses as key.
I found Reynard's information about publishing ideas quite helpful. When a student is given a task, no matter how menial or valuable, if they only believe it will get read by the teacher, most will not put as much work or thought into it, than if it were read by more people. Knowing information would be published effected the attitude and product of many students, all resulting in more quality work. The same goes for a student sharing their findings with others. Feeling accomplished in something definitely creates meaning for learning, and thus helps students more effectively in the long run. And that, I believe, is reason enough to incorporate social networking in the classroom.
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