Should Social networking sites be used in the classroom?

This articles is showing the readers about the harms that can be done to not only having an account to a social networking site but also to show the harms of incorporating those sites into the classroom. Social networking sites are not only ways for friends to keep in touch and meet new friends but also is used for people to exchange questions and information about classes, tests, and assignments. But how secure are these websites for the teenager and young adults’ privacy and security? Some teachers are trying to find ways to incorporate these sites into their classrooms critique their students writing on these sites, while other teachers say it wouldn’t be right to go in and evaluate a student’s writing on their Facebook page because it the original intention wasn’t for that.

Teaching with Twitter

Twitter is a relatively new to the social networking scene. It has been made popular by celebrities taking on twitter account. Lately now twitter is finding its way into the classroom to help students“Teaching with Twitter” is an article about a new technology that is slowly entering the classrooms, Twitter. A professor at Purdue University is trying out a new software called Hotseat, where in his lecture class all 250 students are able to type or text a question or comment they have about what the teacher is teaching. Although it is not required, 75% of students say they use the program. It helps the students who are shy or fear of feeling stupid for asking a question. They are able to send their questions in anonymously and get a response from the teacher. The professors, for the most part, are seeing having Twitter in the classroom as a positive experience. One teacher said that he is now receiving questions he had never gotten in a class he has taught for years.

Social networking sites

How much do you really know about the social networking sites that you use on a daily basis. I realized by reading this paper that I didn't know too much.

Youtube was founded in February 2005, it is currently the leader in online video sharing. Youtube makes it very easy for people to upload and share their personal videos and watch other what other people have uploaded. Many social networking websites get their revenue by selling advertising space. With the popularity rising, social networking sites can charge companies the maximum price to advertise on the homepage. The companies can advertise by using banners and text that millions of people will view daily. One of the most popular social networking sites is Myspace, who has over 168,000,000 members as of April 2007.

Blogs in education

Have you ever thought about how far blogs have come? How maybe they can be used for more than just a place to put our thoughts? I found an article that shows how blogs have evolved.

Blogs have become a firmly established web communication tool. They have evolved from simple online personal diaries to being able to engage people in collaborative activity, knowledge sharing and reflection on debate. Many blogs have very large and dedicated readers/followers. Universities are starting to use blogging and its tools for the classroom, including Harvard Law.

If you would like to read the entire journal you can find it here: “Exploring the use of blogs as learning spaces in the higher education sector.”

Youth becoming more involved

I found this great article that talks about how our youth are getting more involved in politics.

With this last presidential campaign we saw more and more youth getting out and becoming more involved with the candidates campaigns. Youth are not just getting out and voting as well as participating in campaigns. The authors talk about new forms of communication and how risky they can be. For example, negative press a candidate can get by a supporter posting something bad about another candidate on youtube. Also the article talks about how candidates are posting videos on their websites to announce their running for office. All major 2008 candidates created facebook pages for potential voters to look at.

You can read the entire article here. Youth Vote 2008

Impact of facebook on Political Communication

Originally, if a candidate was wanting to receive feedback from the public about their campaign they would have to use a public opinion poll. This is no longer the case, beginning with Howard Dean in 2004, political strategists started to realize how the internet could provide additional methods and engage community members in the political process. Facebook provides campaigns with the ability to organize and communicate with their supporters in an efficient way. It also allows community member to react and put personal input politicians views/polices.

“Expanding the Public Sphere: the impact of facebook on Political Communication.” is a journal that shows how the internet and social networking sites are starting to play an increasing bigger role in politics and campaigns.

History of social networking sites

Many people use social networking sites but have little knowledge on the history of them. I found this journal that gives us some of that background information.

Since they have been around, social networking sites have gotten millions of viewers, many who visit the sites on a daily basis. People can be related by their previous relationships or they can be connected to strangers based on their political views, religious views, and shared interests. The first recognized social network site was launched in 1997.

If you would like to read the entire you journal you can find it here...Social network sites: definition, history, and Scholarship.

It really is interesting to read about how far social networking sites have come. See what you think?