Well, this weekend was a bust. I have been away from work all week and had hoped to work on my home, study a bit, and generally get caught up on things… then I was hit with the dreaded flu (?), which sidelined me the past four days or so.
Excuses aside, I am still working on all the myriad of things required of the class. My wiki’s up and may look a little intimidating – I hope it’s not too confusing, and now I see I need to discuss a few things for our class blog… so here it goes:
When I hear the term “social networking,” I initially have negative thoughts. I understand the explosive growth, but like text messaging, I think there is an easier way to communicate with one another… talk! Remember, I am from the pre-millennial generation (capital PRE-), which influences my view. Importantly, much has been written about MySpace and other sites regarding predatory practices, bullying, and other issues, which of course, affects my judgment.
Fears aside, there are plenty of positives in the face of the negatives. The ability to reach across the Internet spectrum, contact friends and peers, communicate and share ideas (as well as likes and dislikes), and form a community is powerful.
From an educational point of view, learning can become more focused as groups with similar needs or aspirations can join to share learning – the group teaching and learning from one another, ideally with an educator to guide them. Learning is no longer held in a classroom, but rather in space, where “friends” can join, participate and contribute. This is the Democratization of learning; not just online action... a choice in what learners want.
In short, Social Networking can become a learning community resource, one of many that we (educators) need to harness in order to meet the educational needs of the millenial generation.
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4 comments:
Mario, we share the same disposition regarding all of this social networking technology. What happened to the good ole days when everyone simply talked to each other face to face? Laugh! I realize that social networking has huge implications when it comes to interacting with a host of individuals around the world. I'm a bit synical when it comes to the risks involved of sharing too much of you personal life with people who potentially could use this information against you. I'm certain that within the right context social networking has tremendous potential for greater communication, instantaneously. I hope that the abuses of the technology doesn't over-shadow the good that can be had by using it.
Maybe by the end of the class you will have more positive thoughts about social networking? I think my opinion is slowly changing. I'm still hesitant. With your social skills it could be a great thing for you. Maybe you could start a Keys on Main social network. ha ha
Social networking isn't all that bad :) For me it is mostly intimidating. I'm not use to communicating and relating to people like that. I have enjoyed being able to use social networking to keep in touch with friends who don't live close anymore.
I hoep you feel better. I hate taking time off work and then getting sick. I have some really negative feelings about social networking, thank you for sharing how you feel too.
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