RE: the article
I was not surprised that 96% of students have used some sort of social networking. What I found interesting was that 60% have discussions on education. But when I think about the scenario it would be so much easier to get help or have discussions on a topic. The student can get input from more than one peer. With that in mind I can see setting up a classroom homework page so that students could have discussions. They only drawback to that would be that all students would have to have a facebook account. I wonder if there is some way to get around that?
Thoughts on Facebook
I have had a Facebook account for over a year. I must admit I really enjoy it. It is amazing how many people I have connected with since joining Facebook. I am now in contact with so many friends from my past. Many that I often wondered where they were or what they were doing. Yesterday my best friend from Salem State found me on Facebook. We graduated together in 1974. I have been looking for her for years. I can't wait to get together in person. I have also had many students catch up with me. I have been teaching for 32 years and one of my students of 31 years ago found me on Facebook. I taught for 16 years in West Virginia and I amazed at the number of students I have connected with. It is so exciting to see what kind of people they have grown up to be.
I will agree that too much information can be shared on Facebook. I think you need to use your head. How much information do you want out there for the world to see. I also get tired of the constant game updating. Thank goodness Facebook allows you to block most of that. I really don't care if someone needs a cow or has built a cabin. I'll admit I was hooked to Farmville for a while but realized it was taking up too much of my time. I am sure I will enjoy facebook for a while to come.
Thoughts on Twitter
I have not explored Twitter. It is just too much information overload for me. I can't image following a person to that extent. My son follows many friends as well as different public individuals. Maybe sometime in the future I'll change my mind.
How exciting that you found your best friend from Salem State. I hope that the two of you will be able to connect in person. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on facebook and I think it is cool that you have connected with former students as well. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You are right about the games, they are deadly... But the implications for networking are terrific!
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you connected with old friends! I love knowing what people are up to and seeing their pictures of special events in their lives.
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of 60% of students talking about education... my friend's son says that he uses it to talk about assignments and gets help if he needs it. I thought that was great for him when he is stuck at home.
Twitter isn't worth it in my opinion...!