Social Networks: Tools for Teaching

Connecting to students outside the classroom to make learning

a more dynamic and exciting experience.

Advantages

Many students already use these servicesStudents might feel like the lesson is more fun if they can contribute using these networksSocial networks can keep discussions going outside of classConvenience--information can be posted or retrieved anywhere with internetImprove confidence in shy children who aren’t comfortable yet with expression ideas in personClass-to-class communication in small or large schoolsAdds legitimacy to arts students wishing to publish and share their work--no need for anyone to buy itInstant sharing of work and ideas

Individual sites

Facebook--sarah

Youtube--yan

Twitter--nicole

Cyworld--julie

Twitter

Twitter is a real time conversation tool.

A good way to look at it is as a platform for community text messaging

short bursts of information and responses among a hierarchy of posters and followers.

Several different possibilities for use in education:

Practical Uses

-Virtual interactive blackboard/assignment book-Communication with absent students-Opportunity for students to get clarification on assignments from anywhere with internet (home, library, etc)

Discussion Tool

-Students can provide feedback about the lesson, ask questions-Student or teacher can prompt further discussion with a short post

Supplementing Classwork

-Students and teacher can post materials that will enhance classroom lessons-Links to other networking sites make students part of an internet community based on their work and interests

Youtube.com

o YouTube is a video sharing website on which users can upload and share videos.

o Unregistered users can watch the videos, while registered users are permitted to upload an unlimited number of videos.

o Accounts of registered users are called "channels”.

Channels- Education

Example: Carnegie Mellon University

Example continues

Cyworld

The most popular website.

The prevalence of student subsclibling to Cyworld : Over 90%

Easy to set up (Biography, Journal, Music, Picture, Board, Comments, Movie)= Face book, Youtube, Twitter

The delivering and sharing knowledge ~ more dynamic and exciting.

Students Performing video

- Iconic folders and categorized them - the subscriber has the control of disclosing ~ making privacy possible

Students Vocal Ensemble Competition Video

Website Board

Website Board

*Some high-technically equipped cell phones, which are also a form of social network, affect the quality of education

Example : published

How we should start to teach children to play the piano

Useful information for people who prepare to become one of the educators.

Disadvantages

SecurityPersonal info on the webHackingCyber-bullying

DistractionHow to keep students focused on schoolwork, not recreation

How much contact is too much?How closely should teachers socialize with students

Parental concernsSome parents may not be comfortable with students using the internet, or they may not be used to the idea of social networking as an educational tool