Social Networking for Edcuation

Social networking has the potential to help or hinder students.  First and foremost, if it is to be used in an educational setting, students should be encouraged to use proper grammar and mechanics when typing and talking to one another.  It is so tempting to use internet slang, emoticons, and “txt” abbreviations. I have used a type of educational social networking with my students in the past called ThinkQuest.  It is a very cool tool to have with your students.  You can manage your classes and monitor their activity.  They can communicate with you and other students through comment boards and private messaging.  It is also possible to make polls that your students can cast their vote on.

By using these types of tools, students can greatly improve their computer keyboarding skills and their communication skills.  These skills can only be improved upon if they are taught and encouraged to use it correctly.  Having a social networking that is able to be monitored is the best way to go.  When using ThinkQuest we actually had an issue with cyber bullying.  If we had not been able to monitor student activity – including private messages – this could have continued.  If you are using a social network that is not monitored then those situations could be harder to manage and prevent.

Social Networking for Edcuation

Social networking has the potential to help or hinder students.  First and foremost, if it is to be used in an educational setting, students should be encouraged to use proper grammar and mechanics when typing and talking to one another.  It is so tempting to use internet slang, emoticons, and “txt” abbreviations. I have used a type of educational social networking with my students in the past called ThinkQuest.  It is a very cool tool to have with your students.  You can manage your classes and monitor their activity.  They can communicate with you and other students through comment boards and private messaging.  It is also possible to make polls that your students can cast their vote on.

By using these types of tools, students can greatly improve their computer keyboarding skills and their communication skills.  These skills can only be improved upon if they are taught and encouraged to use it correctly.  Having a social networking that is able to be monitored is the best way to go.  When using ThinkQuest we actually had an issue with cyber bullying.  If we had not been able to monitor student activity – including private messages – this could have continued.  If you are using a social network that is not monitored then those situations could be harder to manage and prevent.

Asynchronous and Synchronous Online Environments

Given the choice between the two types of environments’ I can see that there can be benefits to both types of environments.  The asynchronous is nice because it is schedule free.  There is not a specific time that you have to be at your computer - which is why most people take online courses.  However, the asynchronous courses are not as close knit.  Discussion boards are not my favorite things.  Sometimes there is not an authentic way to respond to two people on a discussion board when everyone is saying the same thing.  That is probably the hardest part of the discussion board. 

On the other hand, a Synchronous class seems as though it could be more beneficial for discussion.  I have never been a part of a synchronous class, but I think for a topic it is more effective to be able to talk directly to whomever you are discussing with and get immediate feedback.  Our use of Second life was interesting and one way that a class can be synchronous if each student has capable access.  I unfortunately did not; I lost connection and then could not make it back.  Of course, the downfall would be that there would be a designated time that could interfere with work and/or family time.

Presentation Software

Presentation software is a great way to enhance the learning environment. I remember when I started taking classes online during on my A.A. degree a great deal of it was just "read this...fill out the notes". From time to time there was a PowerPoint to view. Now with software that allows the instructor to voice over it feels more directed rather than "teach it to yourself". I am a learner that benefits from both auditory and visual instruction. It helps me tremendously to be able to hear commentary and read the slides. I like that I can pause and replay the presentations as well so that I can make sure I am fully understanding.  It would be nice if there was a way to ask questions during a presentation and get immediate feedback.

Online Communities

FACEBOOK! Need I say more? Facebook is the most visited online community for me. I use it daily - no hourly...on my phone, at home wherever. I use it to stay in touch with friends and family. I have also reconnected with several friends from my elementary school years. This last year was very exciting because my best friend from fifth grade and I were both pregnant together via Facebook. She is in Ohio and I am in Virginia but it was like we were next door. Other online communities that I frequent are some gaming areas like "Words with Friends" on my iPhone, and craigslist.