Entry 2: Social networking belongs in schools.

I found a blog that makes some strong arguments towards the importance of incorporating social networking in schools to keep up to date with the 21st century. While Facebook and Myspace may not be suitable for the educational context of the classroom, there is no need to ban all forms of social networking sites. Safe and relevant social networking sites are starting to develop, for example, elgg and Ning. 

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Social networking designed for schools
But it also makes sense to think about ways to incorporate specialized social networking tools in class. The Flat Classroom Project is one example where educators have built social-networking sites (mostly using Ning) specifically for use in class and home assignments. Not only does this allow for educationally relevant communication for students in the classroom, but for them to interact with students in far away classrooms both in the U.S. and abroad so students around the world can reach and learn from each other.

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Companies have realised how vital social networking is in schools to encourage social interaction through collaboration, and tools they use outside of school, bridging the gap between the home context and school for more effective education. It also  helps students connect with people in other countries for cultural awareness and for ICT education. The blog has an podcast detailing companies who are starting to build social networking tools catered for the school environment, discussing what is on offer and what many school are currently missing. 

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-10459983-238.html

Entry 1: Lifting the Limits on Social Networking Sites.

I discovered this article by kevin Brady in the School Administrator, feb 2010, Vol. 67, Issue 2, pg 8. 

It denotes the issues inhibiting the use of social networking sites despite the benefits to learning. These include fear on safety and the divide in opinion leading to its disuse. 

The article notes a general difference of opinion between educators and students and parents concerning use of social networking websites such as Facebook or MySpace for school purposes. Educators seem to be concerned about inappropriate content, sexual predators and cyber-bullying while parents and students are more open. It notes several sites designed specifically for schools, such as "Elgg" and "Ning."

It highlights that by building community support and reducing educator reluctance, social networking tools could be implemented in schools. Educators have a choice: They can allow students to develop social networking skills on their own or play a significant role in exposing them to the educational benefits these sites provide, using technologies that simultaneously protect student privacy and promote safe navigation.

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"A majority of the parents and students expressed high expectations about the positive role social networking technologies could play in students' lives. About 60 percent of the students surveyed indicated they use social networking sites for online discussions about schoolwork."

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