Thing #22 - Explore social networking

Introduction
A social network is an online environment in which people connect around relationships, content, shared interests and ideas. During this course, we have already encountered a number of sites and tools that incorporate social features such as tagging, commenting, user profiles and online groups, to add value. Human beings have always been social learners, and, increasingly, we learn in digital networks as well as "real-life" networks.

Networked learning is based on the belief that when one of us gets smarter, we all do. When used effectively, online social networking can play a powerful role in both classroom and lifelong learning. As Steve Hargadon describes, "'Social Networks' are really just collections of Web 2.0 technologies combined in a way that help to build online communities."

You have probably heard of mainstream, massive, youth-oriented sites such as MySpace and Facebook. You may even use these sites (or similar ones) personally or professionally, or, like many "skeptics," you may view them as, at best, a waste of time and, at worst, a sign of the decline of civilization. Whatever your view, your students (especially in grades 5-up) are definitely connecting via social networking sites and, increasingly, so are professionals, parents, hobbyists, educators, social activists, and all manner of people and groups looking to share, build and organize around content, conversation and ideas.

A recent study by the National School Board Association, entitled "Creating & Connecting: Research and Guidelines on Online Social -- and Educational -- Networking" found that that 96% of kids ages 9-17 with Internet access have used social networking technologies, and that 50% have used those technologies to talk specifically about schoolwork. The final report (only nine pages with lots of graphics -- not required, but definitely worth a read), in addition to presenting some really interesting findings, offers guidelines and recommendations for school boards regarding the uses of social networking in schools. It's worth considering -- if we don't model productive, responsible uses of social networking tools for our students, how will they learn to be productive, responsible users of these tools?

As you watch this overview of social networking by the Common Craft guys, think of it as a community where we can LEARN, GROW and CREATE together. Try substituting "find jobs, meet new friends and find partners" with "explore ideas, build understandings, and share resources."




^{If you're still trying to wrap your brain around this concept, here's a written overview:
What Is Social Networking?}

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Discovery Exercise

1. Set up an account with MySpace or Facebook. If you are uncomfortable using your real name, use an alias.

Here are some resources to help you with this exercise:

What Is MySpace? from about.com
Create a Myspace Profile from about.com
YouTube tutorial - How to Start a MySpace Account

About Facebook
How to Use Facebook video series from ExpertVillage.com


2. Search for schools, libraries, authors or people you know and add them to your friends list.

3. Explore the various ways that you can communicate publicly and privately using these sites.

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Learning Activity

Write a blog post about your experience. Include a link to the profile you created and answer these questions in your post:

1. Why is it important that educators know how social networking works?
2. What new insights did you gain about these popular sites?
3. What did you like or dislike about each of the sites you explored?
4. Which site had the most useful features?
5.Can you see an educational application for any of these sites?