The reference at the end of the paper (Openness and Praxis) that I chose to follow was Online Social Networks as a Classroom Environment by Gail Casey and Terry Evans. I chose this reference as the title caught my interest. After reading over the abstract, it definitely engaged me to read more. This reference dives into how high school students interact with using social media as a learning environment. My first thought when I read that was, what kind of social media were they using in a classroom? My question was answered later on when they mentioned that high school teachers were using social networks like Ning and some elementary teachers were using SuperClubsPLUS. Both of these social networks are platforms that I have never heard of before (Could be due to location). Throughout this article, they explore all aspects of bringing social media into classrooms. They provided examples of things that went well along with some of the struggles that these social networks can bring to light. Although the ever growing use of technology can cause worry to some, I completely agree that, “Worldwide acceptance of social networking in the workplace is paving the way for education to take advantage of this type of connected learning.” (Casey and Evans, 2011). Education can be enhanced and supported through many platforms including social media networks. It even comes down to the technologies that are becoming increased in classrooms all over the world. The use of tablets or laptops that schools provide to their students initiate the world of social media readily available to the classroom.
Reflecting back on the platform of “Ning” it offers students the opportunity to become explorers, designers, and publishers. It provides a place for collaboration with peers, self reflection and peer/self assessment.
Although technology and these types of social media platforms can be intimidating and have their own kickbacks/ weaknesses, they do have strong benefits. Learning how to navigate the learning outcomes of these platforms may take time and patience but what students and others can get out of them enhances their learning and their future!
Sorry, but comments are not enabled on this site.