Facebook was introduced to me by some friends who were trying to organize a high school reunion. It did the job and easily organized a great party! Communicating is simple and fun with this tool and I even got my husband interested...but he is not completly sold on the idea yet. Truly speaking, I do not check "my facebook" very often as I prefer to phone my friends to catch up on things. But getting together and planning some get togethers has been great using this form of social networking. I do worry about the creepy side and have heard that once you are in, your info can be made available to anyone...even with security settings in place. My own children use it and also rely on it for their social lives.
In a school environment ... it would work ... but again the creepy side pops up here. Many parents are still uncomfortable with their children "talking" on line. A very strictly structured site might work and put parents at ease. The positives of a site where students can collaborate and post their thoughts could outweigh the negatives. Could these parents see the advantages of a community of learners ... each one contributing ideas? A teacher created forum might be the way to go.
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You mention that Facebook would work in a school environment...can you expand on that? How do you see Facebook working in schools? What would the educational value of FB in schools be? How would you educate students about being responsible digital citizens, particularly regarding some of the security/safety issues you mention? What strategies might you use to help parents better understand (embrace?) tools like Facebook in school and outside?
ReplyDeleteIn a school setting, one way that Facebook could be organized would be to form groups for discussion purposes. A "Lightning Thief" group (current book I am reading to 2 classes)would enable students to discuss the book as well as comment and share ideas regarding their assignments. The collaboration of many ideas would be facilitated by Facebook. I believe that there is great value in collaborative learning.
ReplyDeleteHow to teach responsible practice is a good question and one that I struggle with. There would have to be strict rules put into place ... privacy settings would be crucial. A lesson on the possible dangers of Facebook would necessary as well. Actually, a lesson on Facebook for parents would also be needed. This would have to be one that not only shows parents "the bad" but also teaches them "the good".