Parent Keyboard Conference

Social Networks

In my experience, communication in this day and age has evolved tremendously in the sense that people who are miles away can be reached by a click of a mouse or a tap of a key. Sending a hand written letter to express concern or interest to another person would take weeks before the internet was introduced. So much has changed over time in how people keep in contact with each other not only on a personal level but also a professional level. People in the business arena are all about the concept of social networking. But can someone like myself, a first time teacher benefit from this form of communication? A basic definition of what is social networking is…

“Social Networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will. Although social networking is possible in person, especially in the workplace, universities, and high schools, it is most popular online. This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to meet other people, to gather and share first-hand information and experiences about any number of topics…”(2009)

As a teacher I feel I would benefit from social networking online. Parents and teachers could take conferences to the next level. Parents and teachers may use videos or photos in communicating about the students. Instead of designating a select few days for parents and teachers to meet, online social networking would open up doors of opportunities to keep in touch on a more consistent basis. Teachers can upload photos of student's work and videos of positive interactions from students engaging in learning. Social networking would be the ultimate parent teacher conference with the exception of finding networks that have criteria useful and accessible. Such networks like MySpace, Hi-5, and Facebook are also familiar among their children. For students and young teens social networking sites have become a way for them to connect with friends but also a way to enhance educational skills.

“Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered the educational benefits of social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook… The study found that, of the students observed, 94 percent used the Internet, 82 percent go online at home and 77 percent had a profile on a social networking site. When asked what they learn from using social networking sites, the students listed technology skills as the top lesson, followed by creativity, being open to new or diverse views and communication skills.” (2008)

If social networks benefit students, how much more can they benefit parents as well as teachers? The common factor of social networks is to have an outlet to keep communication between parents and teachers. This communication would help reach a common goal which is the betterment of the educational performance of the children.
As a teacher social networking should be carefully chosen before using it. Criteria for choosing and finding social networks online should focus on privacy and safety of the site. Information parents and teachers shared about the child, I feel should be kept between those two parties and not visible to other parents. Another important criteria for using social networks is safety. Research says “By being aware of your cyber-surroundings and who you are talking to, you should be able to safely enjoy social networking online” (2009). Teachers should have a first time meeting face to face and introduce the option of social networking to be used for further communication. If parents are able to see us as teachers, then I feel the trust has been established to further continue using online social networks.
Social networks are commonly used by students and can also be used by parents and teachers. Using these online communication tools will allow parents to express their concerns and teachers to address it. Although it is a convenient tool, it should be used with caution to ensure safety for both parents and teachers using online sites. In the end parents and teachers are each trying to achieve a common goal. To help children find success in learning and become the best they can be. A researcher named Christine Greenhow summed it up by saying…

"As educators, we always want to know where our students are coming from and what they're interested in so we can build on that in our teaching. By understanding how students may be positively using these networking technologies in their daily lives and where the as yet unrecognized educational opportunities are, we can help make schools even more relevant, connected and meaningful to kids." (2008).


Online Social Networking Sites to Explore:
· MySpace
· Facebook
· Orkut
· Ning
· Bebo



Reference

Social Networking. (2009) Retrieved on February 18, 2010 from

http://www.whatissocialnetworking.com/


University of Minnesota (2008, June 21). Educational Benefits Of Social Networking

Sites Uncovered. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 18, 2010, from

http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/06/080620133907.htm




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