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.

Introduction Letter

My name is Loubern Santos (that's loo-burn, yes like "to burn wood"), but over the past couple of years I have learned that going by "Lou" is much easier. I was born in Oakland, Ca, and no, I am not a Raiders fan. However, I have lived in Escondido since I was 3 years old, and since I am 21 years old now, I can say that I have been living in the same house for 18 years! I attended Miller Elementary for 6 years, from kindergarten to 5th grade. From Miller I moved onto Del Dios Middle School where I completed grades 6th-8th grade. Upon completing junior high I finally began high school where I attended San Pasqual for four years until I received my high school diploma in 2004. Unlike some people who have moved from school to school growing up, I finished all of grade school in the same school district in Escondido. I am currently finishing up my last semester of undergraduate level courses at San Diego State University, and I am proud to say that upon graduating this May, it will have only taken me 4 years to get my BA in Psychology.

It's hard to say how I am with technology, because I wouldn't say that I know absolutely nothing about technology nor would I say that I know everything about technology. I think this is because nowadays technology is everywhere, whether I am at school or at home, I am constantly surrounded by technology, from computers to HD TV to I-Phones. That being said I think it is safe to say that I know quite a bit about technology just by being exposed to the many advances that technology has had to offer and will continue to offer. I have always used PCs at home, but at school I like to use Mac's since they are different and a lot more fun and exciting to me. And because some of my friends are Mac users, I have been able to learn a little bit about the way they work. And while the computers at State are equipped with Microsoft Office 07' I am still using the older version of the program.

I did not read the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement prior to applying to CSUSM but after reading it, I believe that all that is stated within the Mission Statement is crucial to developing a top of the line public educational system. Because without diversity, equality, continued learning, and committed educators it would be rather difficult for teachers and learners alike to succeed. And from friends and friends of friends who have received their teaching credential at CSUSM, I am sure that this school has and will only provide the best education for learners who hope to be professional educators themselves one day =)