Social Networks

Social Networks are like any other tool, they can be helpful or they can be a waste of time. I've learned that half of any job is having the right tools and knowing how to use them properly. Here is my take on Social Networks and K-12 Education.

Social Networks are a great way to get students excited about education. Why would anybody dismiss a tool that excites adolescents apathetic by default? I teach middle school children who are 2 - 3 grades behind according to any standardized tests. Using social networks in my lessons is a way I can tap into my students love of technology to get students to learn.

I have used technology in my class in the past with varying degrees of success. Some examples include holding skype sessions and setting up pen-pals with students halfway around the world, having students create fake facebook pages for historical figures (Who would Kennedy be friends with? Who would be his inspirations?) and by using google maps to build a sense of community.

Social networks are also a great way for teachers to connect to other colleagues both old and new. Many people learn by bouncing ideas off of each other, why not use social networks to tap into a network of professionals that literally crosses all political, geographic or cultural barriers?

That all being said, social networks are not a panacea. They will not cure all your problems or instantly allow you to "reach these kids." Social networks are at best a tool, albeit a new and exciting one. I encourage all teachers to tap into the potential of social networks. It just needs to be authentic and meaningful, not simply because its possible. Students still need to be held to the standards and benchmarks, we just now have a new and more collaborative way to teach these concepts.