I have never used a social network. I have never really had any interest in social networking on the computer. All of this type of stuff began after I was out of high school and I just have never really developed an interest in doing this so I never figured out how it all worked. I do not like typing my feeling or opinions on the Internet for everyone to read. These blogs and group entries are stretching my comfort level. The nice things about this is that it is only our class that can read them and not everyone on the Internet. I really do not have anyone to talk to anyway so I think that has kept me from developing any interest. I see my children often and if I need to talk to them before I see them I can pick up the phone and call them. My husband uses them but I never learned to. Even when we had discussion groups on Blackboard and Sakai in the undergraduate program I was never really comfortable.
Envision the role of social networking the 21st Century learning environments. Write a detailed description of this vision.
I envision it becoming a major part of the classroom. I can see it being used by the teacher to develop communication with the students. From giving students instructions to answering their questions. If they are working in class they could have a communication set up where the student could talk to the teacher through the computer. I can also see the teacher communicating with the students in the same way. I think that it will be a way for the teacher to communicate with the students when they are home if he/she needs to and if the students have questions they need answered while at home they may be able to communicate with their teacher to get the answer they need to complete their homework. If it turns out to be something the teacher had not anticipated being a problem when he/she gave the assignment then she can communicate with the rest of the class so that they all understand what to do. I think that it will give the teachers direct communication with the office, administrators, and other teachers if need be during the day. If a problem arises in class or a teacher needs a question answer it has always been a problem. They may have to leave their classroom unattended while they deal with the situation and if they do not know where the person they need to speak with is they have to search for them which keeps them out of the classroom longer. With social networking they can communicate with each other without leaving their room. Also, as much as the students change classes today, if a student is having a bad day the teacher can notify and warn the next teacher the student is going to. I can see this being very beneficial for both the teachers and students.
I am with you in terms of not being particularly interested in sharing my feelings on the internet.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have come to understand (dealing with my children) how intrusive and demanding they can see personal or telephone contact in a way I never thought of. Personal or phone contact does demand that they stop what they are doing to give their attention to me. In a way, I am coming to understand they see that as almost rude.
They can respond to a text, twitter, chat, or Facebook contact as they cycle through their multitasking in a much orderly, efficient manner - resulting in quicker response overall.
And, multitasking is not exactly doing multiple things at once, so much as rapid shifting of attention, according to priorities. I am beginning to get the hang of it. So, I belong, and listen, though I rarely talk (tweet, post a status, whatever).
Indeed, I think you are beginning to get the hang of it regarding efficient school communication, as the chapter laid it out.
Thanks!