Pros and Cons of Social Networking in the Classroom

As technology has advanced over the years, social networking has blown up. Nearly everyone who uses any type of technology has some type of social networking page or site. This has become one of the easiest ways to share information, stay in touch with friends and family, and share pictures and videos.

Just as technology has become more available to all generations including younger elementary school aged children, social networking is also being used at a younger age. Some of the most popular social networking sites include Facebook and Twitter. Even though these require a minimum age limit of 13, children are finding there way into these sites. Other, more age appropriate social media sites like Club Penguin are made for younger age groups and have moderators that ensure appropriate conversation and interactions between members. Blogs and Wikis are other forms of social networking in which people can share thoughts, ideas, and pictures with others.

Some may immediately say that these types of social networking have no place in the classroom. But, if you really stop and think about the idea behind social networking, one might change their mind.

If used correctly, and with the right program, social networking can be a great way for students to collaborate with one another, access important classroom and assignment information, easily complete projects and research, and share ideas about content learned. This is a new way of teaching, learning, and responding for both students and teachers.

Of course there is concern when it comes to social networking. We have to consider safety issues and setting guidelines and boundaries for students. This can all be done throug digital citizenship lessons, Age appropriate, kid friendly programs should be chosen to be used. Rules, and expectations should be set with clear and concise consequences for rules that are broken. Before any type of social networking cna be used, all students should have to go through a series of digital citizenship lessons and respond in some way that shows they understand the value and importance of digital citizenship. Parents/guardians should also be made away of programs being used, expectations, and consequences.

If used correctly, students will be able to expand their learning opportunities. They will not only be learning about new programs, using curriculum content in new ways, and completing projects, assessments, and assignments, but they will also be learning about social media etiquette and the proper way to use social networking.

Digital Footprints and Digital Citizenship

reflect on your own digital footprint and personal thoughts on digital citizenship, as well as the necessity of teaching students about digital citizenship in school. Also, discuss your thoughts on an appropriate age of introduction to digital citizenship.


My digital footprint is not a large one by any means. I participate in social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Instagram, and I have a class webpage through my school's website. Of course these contain photos of me, family, and friends. Outside of that, there is little else I've done to leave a digital footprint.

As for digital citizenship, I think this is an important aspect of teaching and using technology in the classroom. Students do not always know or completely understand (specifically the younger ones) the ramifications of doing certain things on the internet (like posting a full shot photo, posting something negative about someone or someone doing that to them). Students need to have an understanding of the expectations of using the internet and the appropriate way to act while using the internet.  Digital citizenship should be introduced whenever students are being allowed to access the internet. If they are old enough to access the internet then they should be old enough to understand the importance of digital citizenship.

Reflection

What are your ideas of what a technology integration specialist is as you previously learned in other SNHU courses? Also, discuss today’s students and teachers as related to their use of technology in and out of the classroom. 

When I think of a technology integration specialist (TIS), I think of support in technology integration and growth. A TIS supports teachers in utilizing and integrating technology into content areas. They introduce teachers to new aspects of technology and teach them how to use that technology with their students. A TIS also provides direct support in the classroom assisting teachers and modeling lessons with students. Beyond the classroom, a TIS may provide training opportunities and work directly with administration to purchase and implement new technology equipment and programs.

Today's teachers and students are using technology daily whether inside or outside of the classroom. Technology has become integrated in nearly everything people do. It is used for communicating, purchasing items, creating, writing, learning... the list goes on. Today's students have come accustomed a technology world. A large percentage of children today have easy access to internet access (including in their own rooms) and they own some sort of technology device. These may include an iPad (or other tablet), iPod (or other MP3 device), laptop, or cell phone. Oftentimes, schools want to cut off the access to these devices during the school day. Some think that instead, schools should embrace technology as an educational tool that will keep students engaged on learning (Southern New Hampshire University, n.d.). Incorporating technology in the classroom also provides students with a way to learn about new programs and other uses for technology.

Reference:

Southern New Hampshire University. (n.d.) Reviewing the role of the technology integration specialist (state and national standards). Retrieved from Southern New Hampshire University, EDU642 website.