Journal 5

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em by Charlene O'Hanlon
THE Journal August 07

Charlene O'Hanlon has written an article about the use of social networking sites in educational settings. Although geared primarily to teens, social networking sites are being used in classrooms with students as young as eight or nine. The use of social networking sites in classrooms has many applications and is producing very positive results. The sites are being used for everything from language arts to science. In one class, students write persuasive essays in response to prompts posted on their instructor's blog; in another, students are producing a podcast of news from colonial times. The results have been very positive. Students are striving for quality in their written work because they know they will be published and read by peers. The use of social networking sites has resulted in higher test scores, as well; as much as nine points higher scores in some science classes.

Social networking sites in education are not accessible to the outside world and security measures are very stringent. Most districts and school sites have specific policies and limitations which must be acknowledged and adhered to. In addition to educating children in core academic subjects, the use of social networking sites in schools gives children the opportunity to learn social protocol and safety concepts before venturing out into the public networking sites.

Questions:

1. How can you use a social networking site in the lower grades? As early as second grade, with some guidance from the instructor, I can imagine children posting short answer responses to a prompt on their teacher's blog. Another benefit, mentioned in the article, of introducing the concept to children while they are young, is the opportunity to teach computer etiquette and safety while the children are receptive.
2. Might parents be hesitant? If security measures are stringent and parents are made aware of them, I think that most parents would see the benefits to the technology and might even welcome the guided introduction to something that will surely be a major player in the life of their child in high school and beyond.