Submitted by Len Rosen (not verified) on May 13, 2008 - 08:46.
The value of social networks within a school cannot be underestimated. The Internet generation is engaged with technology. The data overwhelmingly supports that. In a recent study 96% of students reported using social networks and 60% reported using them to talk about educational subjects. Half reported using social networks for school work. And yet 62% of schools in that survey prohibited blogging or online discussion boards at school. 52% prohibited any social networking sites at school. In that same study, 76% of parents felt that social networks could conceivably improve their children's reading and writing. This is evidence of a disconnect among the participants in education, teachers, students and parents. Embracing social networking technology and harnessing for use in the classroom is a paradigm shift that is needed. Placing it inside the school firewall would enhance its value dramatically while reducing school board concerns about the potential downside of these networks - cyber bullying, frivolous chat, use of explicit language, pictures or even inappropriate music. I am working with a company that is providing just such a solution for schools.
Social networks in the classroom
Submitted by Len Rosen (not verified) on May 13, 2008 - 08:46.
The value of social networks within a school cannot be underestimated. The Internet generation is engaged with technology. The data overwhelmingly supports that. In a recent study 96% of students reported using social networks and 60% reported using them to talk about educational subjects. Half reported using social networks for school work. And yet 62% of schools in that survey prohibited blogging or online discussion boards at school. 52% prohibited any social networking sites at school. In that same study, 76% of parents felt that social networks could conceivably improve their children's reading and writing. This is evidence of a disconnect among the participants in education, teachers, students and parents. Embracing social networking technology and harnessing for use in the classroom is a paradigm shift that is needed. Placing it inside the school firewall would enhance its value dramatically while reducing school board concerns about the potential downside of these networks - cyber bullying, frivolous chat, use of explicit language, pictures or even inappropriate music. I am working with a company that is providing just such a solution for schools.