Facebook, in itself has revolutionized social interactions around the world. Millions of people on an hourly basis use the site for connections and discussions, with old friends, new acquaintances, networking groups, activities, and some use it to simply waste time. It has created a central location where people can reinforce and expand their real-world social connections. What began as a network site for Ivy League students and faculty to connect with each other, it opened its doors a few days later to the public and allowed them to network with the world. It has over 65 million active users, using the network site on average for 20 minutes a day, and has obtained an 85% market share of United States University students.
Facebook in its evolution is now being pondered for use in the classroom, and this presents an interesting argument for its pertinence in the scholastic field. The combination of media sharing, messaging, event groups, and the multitude of applications offered from companies and private users, create a platform for students to culminate ideas for class, discuss challenging notions from lessons, and talk directly with their classmates and teacher, even plan group projects and presentations. I have used networking sites, not Facebook, in other classes and it has been most educational, as well as provided a forum for the students to discuss topics directly.
The spontaneity of the Facebook site makes it neutral ground for students and faculty to share ideas. This idea motivates students to participate by choice, not by coercion. The informal channels of free thought that progress on, “the Wall,” promote interaction between the members of a group. The connection to RSS-feeds allows instantaneous updating for students to keep up-to-date information.
However, there are egregious downsides to using Facebook in class as well. The informal use creates a false sense of security to its users. The thought that even in a private group, information uploaded will remain private is naïve. A term coined recently, “ambient intimacy,” refers to the constant sense of closeness users feel with their circle of friends through the use of technology. This “intimate feeling” is misleading, because of the lack of strong regulation over information sharing on the internet. Student’s naivety on their digital footprint creates a false sense of security on the amount of information shared, as well as content.
We have to conclude that the use of Facebook, as well as other social networking sites are here to stay and will evolve more as technology gains precedent in daily life. It is still in its infancy, and it will be very interesting to see how it evolves over time. As I can see its pertinence in the classroom setting, I would disagree in its use at this time.
I am in agreement that the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to integrating social networking into the classroom. The informality of Facebook is something I failed to consider while I was writing my reflection but is definitely noteworthy. Students are so use to acting freely and openly on Facebook it's worth wondering if they would be able to maintain a certain amount of formality and etiquette when using a page intended for school.
ReplyDeleteI find the development of social networking very interesting. With little experience personally, I think it is a strong statement on how our society is living and changing in a very technology driven non-personal way.
ReplyDeleteWe seem to be moving away from our roots and all the green grass our feet need to stay connected to the earth. From our food being over-processed and kids being raised on video games, to providing ways of avoiding social interaction adults and youth, I think this needs to be very carefully monitored. I would say NO to social networking for kids.