JouRNaL #7: NeTS I, II, III, & V

Reynard, R (2009, July). Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. THE Journal, Retrieved August 3, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume_35_2007_2008_/MayNo7/L_L_May_2008.htm

This article touches on the ups and downs of social networking sites and there relevance to the classroom. In the article it is suggested that an integration of social networking sites and the classroom could be a way for teachers and students to connect on a level that is more comfortable for the student, the fact of the matter is teachers and students are supposed to be socializing on that aspect. Students use these networking sites to express themselves, talk to friends, and many other things that they usually attempt to separate from their school and classroom settings, it is a place from them to have their own secure private space that teachers, parents, and people who they do not consider friends cannot invade.

Questions:
1. Is it a good thing to have teachers and students become friend on social networking sites?

In my opinion, not so much! I do not think that the line between teacher and student should be crosses in cyberspace any more than it is allowed in face- to- face setting. If students and teachers are not allowed to converse on a phone call, they should not be socializing on the web either. Once the teacher and student are not in class together and there are no issues around legal age, if one wants to befriend the other on a social networking site that could be fine. There could be a class based site were students and teachers interact (as we have with Blackboard and WebCT), but class agendas and issues should not held in the networks of facebook, twitter, or any other social site.

2. Are there any risks integrating social networking sites with classes?

Yes! Social networking sites can contain much personal information and that can be used against either party in any situation, plus everything is text form (emails and all forms of messaging) can be taken out of context and statements can be interpreted incorrectly. Tone cannot be heard through text and therefore if you are not completely familiar with the person with whom you are exchanging text/messages with, many things can be construed wrong. I think it is a bad idea all together; the worlds should be kept separate.