Pros and Cons of Social Networking in Schools

What are the Pros and Cons of Social Networking in Schools?

There are both pros and cons associated with social networking in schools. To begin with, many schools are hesitant to use social networking sites in school for several different reasons. Schools are fearful about the possibility of students interacting with strangers or potentially dangerous people online. This is a real concern that needs to be taken seriously. In addition to this, many schools are afraid of behavioral issues that could take place as a result of social networking. Students could easily engage in inappropriate conversations with other peers or other people online. Also, schools are most likely weary of students posting or expressing inappropriate, mean or disrespectful comments. It is true that with social networking there is possibility that it could lead to dangerous experiences or unacceptable uses.

However, the benefits that social networking has to offer seems to greatly outweigh the concerns that schools may have. First of all, it is important to recognize that the purpose of the Internet has changed over the past few years. The Internet is no longer used simply for reading or researching. Instead, people have the opportunity to contribute to the information on the Internet and become active participants online. Thus, the Internet is all about, “communities, participation and peering,” (Solomon, 2010, pg. 83). It is important for educators to recognize the change in the Internet and understand that we must allow students to engage in social network based learning experiences in order to provide students with the 21^st century skills that they will need in their futures. Students have to be given the opportunity to practice becoming involved and engaged participants in this online community. Furthermore, most of our students are already using and accessing social networking sites. Therefore, I believe we should introduce these tools to them in school, so that we can teach our students about digital citizenship and about how to participate in social communities safely and responsibly. Another positive aspect of using social networking in schools is that, “young people are already engaged by Web 2.0 applications,” (Solomon, 2010, pg. 85). Since our students are already interested in and excited about using various web 2.0 tools, it makes sense for schools to use them for learning. Essentially, if schools use web 2.0 tools in the classroom, it will be much easier to get students engaged in their learning experiences because they are already excited about using that tool/application. Thus, it is evident that there are both pros and cons to using social networking in schools. However, in my personal opinion, I believe that the benefits of using social networking significantly outweigh any concerns that educators may have.

References:

Solomon, G. and Shrum, L. (2010). Web 2.0 how-to for educators. International  Society

            for Technology in Education.

Google Image: http://www.apriso.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/social-networking.png

Digital Citizenship

The Importance of Digital Citizenship

The video on a person’s Digital Dossier was intriguing. Although I had always been aware of the fact that our lives were digitally tracked, I had not previously thought about the extent in which that occurs. It is true that everyone has a digital dossier of their own and this begins before a person is even born. As the video points out, a person’s digital dossier begins with the first sonogram that is taken of the baby. Not only is that sonogram kept in medical records, but, it is likely that it is sent and shared with loved ones through various digital forums. And, as we continue to grow, our digital dossier also grows with us. I imagine that the digital dossier of today’s students is much larger than mine ever was and it will continue to grow as our society becomes more technology-driven. A person’s digital dossier grows as people enter credit card information online, search on google and take their phones with them wherever they go. Not only does a person’s dossier follow them throughout their entire lives, but it also stays even after they have passed away. I believe that my own digital dossier has grown substantially since I was in high school. When I was a kid, my parents did not have the technology that is available today and therefore pictures and other information about me was not spread as easily or as quickly as it is today. However, as I got older, things like e-mail, texting, facebook, and picasa became much more commonly used. I know that my digital dossier grew as I began using social media, entering personal information online and using my smart phone. It is intriguing and somewhat frightening to think about a person’s digital dossier.

In relation to this, it is important to recognize the fact that today’s students are being exposed to technology at a much younger age than ever before. Since our students have grown up in an environment where they are constantly surrounded by technology it often seems as if they have an innate sense about using technology. This is true and kids today are very technologically savvy. However, that does not mean that they know and understand how to appropriately and responsibly use technology. As it was stated in one of the articles, “it is not enough to open the gate and let the sheep out to wander aimlessly,” (Lindsay, 2012). Thus, we cannot provide students with technology and expect them to know what to do. Instead, we need to guide our students through this process and model appropriate and ethical uses. As educators it is our “responsibility to teach students how to be responsible digital citizens,” (Olah, Module two). When using technology today’s students need to demonstrate respect for themselves and others, make ethical decisions and have an understanding of safe and healthy choices. These concepts must be encouraged and modeled by educators.

Furthermore, students must begin learning about digital citizenship at a very young age. As soon as students are introduced to technology, they should also be introduced to the responsibilities that go along with being a digital citizen. Of course the information about digital citizenship should be designed to appropriately match the developmental level of the students. It is imperative for students to develop an understanding of digital citizenship at an early age so that it can continue to grow as they get older.

On a personal note, I teach at a middle school and we spend time throughout the year teaching students about digital citizenship and what it means to be digitally responsible. Our students learn about how to identify things like credible vs. non-credible sources, scams and other signs of trouble online. In addition to this, students learn about using caution when revealing personal information about themselves. One of the topics that we focus heavily on is practicing responsible, moral and appropriate behavior on social media and other web 2.0 tools. I believe that this is an extremely important part of digital citizenship as most of our students are spending their free time on social media and other related sites. Below, you will see a poster that asks students to go through these seven questions before posting a photo online. This is something that we have hanging in our computer labs and our students responded really well to this. They seemed to understand the importance behind asking themselves these questions. Now, this does not mean that they will always do this. But, the hope is that it will be in the back of their minds and hopefully prevent them from posting anything that is truly disrespectful, unethical or inappropriate.

References:

Olah, Dean. Module Two: Digital Citizenship. Southern New Hampshire University.         Retrieved on April 8, 2014.

Lindsay, J. and Davis, V. (2012). Navigate the Digital Rapids. ISTE. Retrieved on April    8, 2014 from: http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-            leading/issues/march-april-2010/navigate-the-digital-rapids

I took a photo of my friend that I want to share... now what? Photo retrieved on April 8, 2014 from: http://edutech4teachers.edublogs.org/files/2013/09/I-took-a-photo-of-my-friend-Poster-28eyklw.jpg

Digital Citizen Wiki/Font Page. Photo retrieved on April 9, 2014 from: https://tigerinfo.pbworks.com/f/1280058846/DC%20wordle.gif