Thing #18

     I love Social Network sites.  Being a teen of the early millennium, set me up with these sites early on.  I had a Myspace account in high school, but deleted it several years ago.  At the time, Myspace had gotten less controlled and there were so many hackers on there.  I've heard they have cleaned it up since then. 


    Now to Facebook!  I was an original Facebooker.  I joined in 2004 as a freshman at FHU.  I remember how back then you could only write on walls, send messages, poke, and set up groups/events.  We all protested and got so mad when we found out they were letting adults on (until we realized we would be adults in a few years too :) ).  I still don't like that kids under 13 join, but that's not my deal.  I don't play games or do any of that on Facebook.  I still mainly use it just for its social possibilities.  I love being able to chat, post on walls, and send messages.  It's a great tool for remembering birthdays and other special events.  With family and friends all over the world, it's a super-easy way to post news and pictures to stay connected.  You can see my facebook page on this blog page.


     It is important for educators to know about social networking sites for several reasons: 

1. You can join groups that can make your job more efficient.
2. You can set up groups for organizations that you sponsor--either student or colleagues (within district policy)
3. Students use these sites constantly, why not link into something that they like.

    I have learned in the last year (and through research today) that while social networking is becoming more and more of a tool in education, you still have to be cautious when using it.  I have my page set to private and only accept people I know because I do not want others ruining my professional reputation.  I like facebook better than Myspace because it is more organized and provides more applications.  Myspace is more for people interested in music.  If our school policy allowed it, I could use facebook in many uses.  However, currently our district policy forbids the type of relationships I would have to establish to be able to use this site in my classroom.