Journal Entry #2

Social Networking for the K-12 Set

It is fascinating to me to be introduced to this whole new world on social networking in education. With reading this article, I have been made aware of the many possibilities there are when looking at social networking. There are various ways to use community sites in the classroom at all grade levels and at all abilities.

The idea of community sites opens up so many possibilities in building global communities of both educators and students. The sites enable all involved, educators, students, parents and the community to communicate and collaborate with one another. Ideas can be shared and used to better all children's educational experience. Children have the opportunity to publish and share their hard work for all to see as well as form a communal environment among not only their district but within their state, country and continent.

I am glad to hear that more and more educators and students are using social networking, however, I know that the educational community has a lot more to learn and practice too. I would really like to learn more about how to put such fantastic ideas relating to "Learning Landscapes" to practice in the classroom.

Question One: With the knowledge I have now, how can I put to practice a community learning site?

Thus far, although very new to the possibilities, I could put into practice the use of a class website. This is a great way to communicate with both students and parents. This gives the entire classroom community the opportunity to publish, share and collaborate on ideas. Assignments can be posted enabling students another forum from which to gather information. Chats can be set up for outside of the classroom discussions and newsletters can be accessed for up to date information on progress of the class.

Question Two: How many educators and students are currently online using "Learning Landscapes" or Community Sites?

According to the article, there are currently 350 teachers on line using the Community Site. They use it to publish lesson plans, ideas, newsletters and announcements to their colleagues. The article reveals that the site is enabling educators to communicate in ways never done before.

There are 450 students currently using the Community Site. Students as young as second grade are posting projects and using the sites to learn and communicate with other students of the same age. Older children are using the site for more complex and mature projects and finding just the same satisfaction as teachers with being able share, learn, and communicate with one another on a whole new level!