The Socially Networked Classroom by William Kist Chapter 1 The Writing is on the Screen

I am very new to all of these types of technology that can be incorporated into the classroom.  I choose Chapter 1 in this book to get a basic overview of social networking and the types that most people are using today.  I am relating this to Chapter 1 in the Williams book where he talks about be familiar with the technology and concepts available.

I think the author made is point very well about the impact social networking has on society outside the classroom.  His introduction gave examples of how people are always communicating with people they are not with no matter where they are or what they are doing.  He is trying to show how much apart of society social networking really is.  I am not as familiar with all of the social networking that is available.  I have a cell phone but I do not even use that a whole lot.  It is more for emergencies or just making a quick call home.  I very rarely and text and even when I do I am not very good at it.  The terminology and terms section talked about several of the social networking web sites that are available.  He explained what some of them were which gave me a little better understanding of them.  As you know I am one of those that would be more hesitant about incorporating technology into the classroom but part of that is because I do not understand or know how to use a lot of it.  I have to leave my comfort zone to use it and when I do that I am really not sure where to begin.

I think this could impact my teaching because it made me think about how much this is a part of our world know whether I like it or not.  This is the world the kids growing up today are living in and social networking is a major part of their lives.  This can be a very good tool that can be used to help students learn that is available.   I appreciate the five characteristics he listed on page 8 of a new literacy classroom.  Once I get my own classroom if I want to, or really need to, incorporate more of these social networking web sites or technology in general I have a starting point on which to build.