Social Networks

Social Networks

Definition: A social network service focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and/or activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most social network services are web based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging services.  This definition was taken from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Networking_Sites

Example Sites

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/

Twitter
http://twitter.com/

Ning (create your own social network)
http://www.ning.com/

Friendster
http://www.friendster.com/

Relative Advantage

Is connected to student’s life outside of school, therefore, would be highly motivating
Helps students learn how to get along with others, how to manage a public identity and how to create a home page.
Allows collaboration from within and outside the classroom
Helps to build technology personal skills
Extends the audience
Helps students to become more focused on understanding, engaged and ask better questions

Integration Ideas

Because the social network usually includes Blogs and Wikis it could be integrated into the classroom in the same ways as these tools could be.

Thanks for reading,

Shannon Doak