Wrapping it up 'Socially'
As an educator, I have shied away towards Facebook use and was unsure how it could be effectively used in the classroom as a learning tool; not just a place to post 'check out what's happening now'. After reading most of Will Richardson's book
Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Webs Tools for Classroom (most specifically Chapter 9 for this post), I can better envision social networking sites like Facebook and Ning as an integral part of classroom communication - especially outside of the classroom. Perhaps integrated into homework assignments or a flipped classroom. I still have a long way to go in terms of truly opening up to social networks, but the concept is becoming more clear and relevant.
I completely agree with you! I too was very skeptical of using such a tool in the classroom since when Facebook first came out I used it myself in college as a way to keep in touch with what others were doing in their personal lives and share from my own. I would never have thought to use it as a forum for classroom assignments. Could be interesting to put it to use and see what does come of it though. Don't ya think?
ReplyDeleteI was also very skeptical of using social networking sites in the classroom, but my cousin uses Facebook for general communication with parents and she really likes it. I'm thinking about doing something similar this year. Fingers crossed it's not a big flub.
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