Journal 8: Tapping the Wealth of Social Networks for Professional Development- NETS 3,4,5

Greenhow, C. (2009). Tapping the wealth of social networks for professional development. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/JuneJulyNo8/L_L_June_July_2009.htm doi: ISSN 1082-5754

This article is on uses social networks, like Twitter, Facebook, and blogs, and how they can be incorporated into a classroom. The author touches on how these are new technologies and that there is limited or no research as to how effective the use of these technologies can be in a classroom. However, even though these are new mediums of communications, they can be very useful in a teaching format. It is suggested that teachers often have to do their own leg work when it comes to the validity of certain website, Delicious.com can be useful for this purpose. Also, sites like Twitter and Facebook can often be used by students and teachers for support, much like a support group but with quicker feedback. The use of these technologies can become educational with just a little creativity by students and teachers.

Q: What is an example of how Facebook can be used educationally?

A: Facebook can be used as a place to post school projects, or pictures of a school event. It can also be used among students to ask each other questions and get answers on school assignments. Teachers can also use Facebook as a way to communicate with students, or parents, or even other teachers on apps.facebook.com/hotdish where they can discuss science, literacy, and social activism.

Q: Why are there not any studies on the uses of these technologies in classrooms?

A: These technologies are too new to have a study that shows valid information about their uses in classrooms. That is why it is important for teachers to not only be aware of the technologies, but also do some checking of their own on the content in which they use these technologies for. It is also important that teachers check their student work and get feedback from other teachers who may be using them as well.