Journal #7: Beyond Social Networking

Reynard, Ruth (2009/07/15). Beyond social networking: Building toward learning communities. The Journal, Retrieved 08/01/2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx?Page=1



This article provides a variety of statistics surrounding social networking sites and their usage and offers insight as to how these sites can be effectively utilized by instructors to enhance student learning. The statistics show that 75% of people aged 18-24 are members of at least one social networking site. Because of the high rates in usage, the article suggests that teachers can use the technological skills already possessed by their students to integrate this emerging technology into the classroom. By doing so, teachers are, in theory, making the classroom more appealing to their students, empowering them by giving them an active role in the classroom, and helping to further their social development. I agreed with much of what this article was suggesting. Using technology that the students are familiar with and excited about will undoubtedly increase their participation in the class. It is also a great way to communicate information instantaneously, provide assistance outside of classroom hours, and offer the opportunity for collaborative learning. However, I hate to see the connection made between social networking sites and development of "social skills." There is a distinction that needs to be made between social proficiency via technology and more traditional interpersonal skills. This line is becoming more and more indistinguishable and I think it is important that we teach tomorrow's adults how to utilize technology to their benefit while still maintaining the importance of face-to-face social interaction and comfort.

Does this technology apply to all styles of teaching?
The author clearly displayed her facts and opinions through the lens of a social reconstructionist view of education. With the importance of technology in modern society, I think it is important for all teaching philosophies to incorporate technology in one form or another. However, I feel certain that some would be quicker to adopt this view than others.

What is going to happen to the social skills of people as social networking sites and emerging technology continue to replace traditional forms of social interaction?
This is a question I have been thinking about for a while and that this article helped resurface for me. I have no answer to the question but it is something that I think will be interesting to observe over the next couple decades.