Edt+674

EDT 674 Chapter 5: Social Networks What is social networking?
 * Refers to Web 2.0 which allows users to create links such as a web page or collection of photos
 * This includes online groups or ways to connect with others through contacts or “friends”
 * Allows for those with common interests, to engage in discussions
 * o Medical issues
 * o Educators creating courses
 * o Playing games
 * o Planning a trip to the moon
 * Collaborative tagging
 * Social classification
 * Social tagging

How is social networking a useful tool? When do teachers use social networking? Classroom Integration:
 * To allow for thousands of individuals to discuss a particular topic
 * Popular sites include: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter in North America
 * Young people are online using these tools
 * Schools have been hesitant to use social networking tools in the classroom
 * As a result [|www.ning.com] started an online platform for people to create their own social networks
 * Advantages to ning (translation from Chinese: peace)
 * o Collaborate on projects
 * o Post questions and concerns
 * o Retain notes, videos, podcasts and other classroom activities
 * o Allows absent students to catch up
 * o Develop, collaborate and retain their own efforts over time
 * o Access granted to families and others to share information
 * Example: [|www.Librarything.com] is a social networking for those that love books to connect, discuss and make recommendations
 * Social networking allows people to communicate more effectively
 * Social networks support relationships between teachers and students
 * Some sites include:
 * o [|www.ning.com]
 * o [|www.learncentral.org]
 * o [|www.schoolnetglobal.com]
 * o [|www.goldstarcafe.net]
 * o [|http://learnhub.com]
 * o [|www.classroom20.com]
 * One major problem is most school districts have rules against social networking
 * But it fits with contemporary theories of learning and modern thinking
 * There are 4 influential frameworks
 * o Behaviorism
 * o Constructivism
 * o Cognitivism
 * o Socio-cultural perspective
 * There is evidence that those engaged in Web 2.0 are engaged in innovative thinking and problem solving
 * Young people are already engaged in Web 2.0
 * The types of learning that come from the use of digital tools, especially social networking
 * o Social/personal: communication, general knowledge, creativity, collaboration, self-esteem, parallel processing, persistence, peer-to-peer learning, risk taking
 * o Cognitive/physical: multitasking, logical thinking, problem solving, trial-and-error learning
 * o Technical: hand eye coordination, technical confidence, web design/content creation
 * Production, performance, presentation, product, objectives are energizing learners

Professional Development: Additional Nings and Communities: Twitter Overall
 * Teachers are happy to share favorite sites and join together in social networks and electronic learning communities
 * Some Nings are for all educators to join
 * o [|http://firesidelearning.ning.com]
 * English educators hold a virtual book club
 * o [|http://englishcompanion.ning.com]
 * Educators with specialized responsibilities
 * o [|http://teacherlibrarian.ning.com]
 * o Have created a way to work, share and help each other
 * Teachers of English and Foreign Language
 * o [|http://eflclassroom.ning.com]
 * Check out ning for a more focused site in your discipline
 * Is a way to communicate and personally grow
 * Share ideas, links, resources about everything
 * Try social networking
 * o To improve student learning
 * o Support inquiry
 * o Self-directed learning
 * o Expand student’s horizons
 * o Wide range of ideas and creativity
 * o Learn from others
 * o Share tips
 * o Check out ning