Chapter 9: Social Networks

I have never thought of having Facebook as a part of my classroom, but after reading this chapter, I think it would be very cool. I have had a Facebook account for a couple of years now, and I love it. I love being able to keep in touch with my friends from High School as well as relatives I don't get to see that often. I know its capabilities for personal reasons, but using it in the classroom is something I would have to work on. Like the book said, integrating Facebook in the classroom not only can teach academics, but it can also teach students how to be a part of the society. They can learn how to work with others as well as communicate their ideas and have conversations with others. I think Facebook could be a great way to get my class to be connected even more. I also like the idea of creating a class Facebook page. It could be a general way that my students could keep in touch, whether it be about a homework problem, or to see if they want to go to a movie together! It would also be a good way for parents to keep up on what is going on in class. I could post pictures on things that we are doing in class as well as class news. This way it can be one big community of parents, students, and I to all keep on the same page. I also just learned about Ning. This also has many of the capabilities of Facebook, and it may be easier to work with administration to get this idea approved. This is an actual website that the teacher can set up. The book gave very detailed directions how to set it up, and I think that I could figure it out! It is much like Facebook in the way that I could be able to have one place to keep all of the students and parents informed. It could really be a great communication device. I think as a future teacher I would really love to set up some kind of site like this. I think there would be so  many benefits of having a network that it would make the classroom environment so much closer on all aspects.