Journal #2

Social Networking for the K-12 Set 

by Jim Klein 

         This journal discusses new ways to encourage communication with a web application that is geared towards teachers and students. Web technology such as pod casting, online profiles and blogging are sometimes costly and complex to use, therefore they can only be utilized by a select group of people.

         SUSD teacher community sites have doubled learning landscapes and made it easier for all of society to obtain and utilize these sights. The goal is to provide students and educators with resources in order to better communicate, collaborate, learn, and share amongst themselves and with the larger community. They are striving to make this technology more accessible and easy to use by establishing workshops and classes that are available to the entire community. Additionally, SUSD hopes to provide opportunities for individuals to be able to discuss social, legal, and ethical issues, while simultaneously striving to create effective learning environments. Technology today is public oriented, therefore lacking the tools needed by educational professionals and their students. SUSD community sites allow individuals to employ content creation, share content with the general public, small groups, or just themselves. One main benefit of these technological applications is improved communication and an established sense of community.

 

What is an example of this social networking in the realm of education?

Actually, I make use of this type of educational tool everyday at Cal State San Marcos. Web-ct has not only become an essential communication tool between classmates and the instructor, but it is relied on in order to access assignments, web links for specific classes, and grades.  

 

How might I be able to use this in an elementary school classroom?

Although these applications may be a little advanced for the younger ages, towards the end of elementary school students, along with their parents, can begin to use and become familiar with these applications.