Journal #7: Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities

Reynard, R. (2009). Beyond social networking: Building toward learning

communities. The Journal: Transforming Education through

Technology, Retrieved 7 29, 2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles

/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-

Communities.aspx?Page=1

In her article, Ruth Reynard discusses how Web 2.0 tools have increased in popularity, for both the young and old, and how these tools can act as educational tools. Social networking, for example is a tool that has become very popular and can facilitate interaction among students. Instead of organizing groups and time for interaction, students are put in an environment where everything is already set up for interaction among their peers. Oftentimes, students enjoy these virtual environments and I feel they might be more comfortable sharing their ideas when they don't have to do it face-to-face. Although internet and social networking tools provide the environment, teachers still must facilitate and monitor the group and interactions in order to engage all of the students and make it a worthwhile task. According to the article, teachers should maintain their presence in the virtual environment, use various tools to help the students process and apply what they are learning, help students in managing information and focusing in on certain topics, and making sure that all students are engaged in the process.

What might a teacher be able to do to engage a student who either does not seem interested in participating in the online social network or who is not putting much effort into the process?

In order to get students more engaged in social networking and communicating with the group online teachers might have specific activities, whether their online or not, or assignments for the students to respond to as a part of their grade. Students might also be assigned specific times to start a discussion. For example each student has to start a discussion or thread of their interest on their assigned day and then the other students respond. If the teacher can connect the work to the students and their interests I think they would be much more interested and likely to respond.

Would students who are affected by the technology gap benefit less from this than others?

I think that it's very important to make sure that students have access to technology while they are at school. If a classroom was taking part in online assignments and social networking groups and communication, this would make the necessity for computer use at school a must. Although it would be beneficial for students to have continued access to their online material while at home, I feel they could equally benefit as long as they were given the necessary access and support at school.