Journal 1

"Social Networking for the k-12 Set" by Jim Klein

Although many teachers, and perhaps even students, are afraid of social networking, according to this particular article, social networking is very beneficial to student learning. Through the use of various technologies, both students and teachers alike are able to collaborate with each other and enhance their education about a number of things. Besides being able to grow in the world of technology, Klein mentions how "student engagement through the use of online profiles, blogging, secure file storage and sharing, and podcasting is not only measurable, but striking!"

Questions:
1. Would you use "Social Networking" in your class?
I think that using social networking in classrooms is a wonderful idea! Seeing that most students and teachers can access a computer with internet quite easily, whether it is at school or at home, it would seem as though there would be more participation. The reason why I believe this is because it is much easier for students, and even teachers to collaborate on their own time through certain web based programs like "blogging" then trying to find a time to meet and collaborate for everyone in a particular group.

2. How might "Social Networking" not be beneficial for students and teachers?
In the cases that computers and or internet are not easily accessible for students and teachers, social networking might not be as beneficial as we would like it to be. Social networking might also be more trouble than it is worth for students who are computer illiterate. While it may seem as though students nowadays are familiar with the use of computers and the world wide web, some less developed school districts may not be as knowledgeable about technology based programs as other school districts.