Journal 8: "Have You Tweeted Today?"-NETS V

Fingal, D. (2009). Have you Tweeted Today?. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2). Retrieved from
http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20090910/?pg=40&pm=2&u1=friend

I found all three of these resources very informational and concluded that the case for joining social networks is much stronger than the case for avoiding them. While I agree with John Ridley that people value their privacy, I think that joining social networks does not hinder your right to privacy at all, but does in fact keep people better connected to valuable information. In using social networking sites, like Twitter, some educators have been utilizing the internet and find it beneficial for sharing information. They can get lesson plan ideas, have their questions asked quickly, share what has been learned at conferences, and get instant information. In participating in social networks educators can learn from their colleagues and can connect with and learn from other educators across the nation. In the article Are we Too Connected Beth Still said that she was able to sit at her desk in Nebraska and participate in a conference that was 3000 miles away. Beth Still commented that by following a specific educator’s tweets, she knew that he would be streaming some live sessions. She then was able to watch this educator’s stream and chat live with others that were viewing this same stream. Many educators like Beth are using social networks to continue to be life-long learners. Using sites like Twitter keep educators active in the education community.

Why is it important for teachers to use social networking sites?

Teachers need to be life-long learns and in using social networks, educators are able to learn from each other. In addition to being life-long learners, educators need to be using the same technology that their students are utilizing. Educators are better connected to their communities when they are using the same tools that their students are using. Also, students can provide information to their teachers when their teachers themselves don’t understand things. All around, there are many benefits in using social networks.

If someone isn’t currently involved in social networking sites is it hard to start?

Joining social networking sites is very easy and convenient. You can do it from your home computer and most sites are free. Sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Classroom 2.0 make it very easy for the user to navigate around and gain information. All one has to do is post a question or comment after creating their own account and will be able to access endless amounts of information.

Additional Resources:

Nebraska Change Agent, “Are We Too Connected?” : http://bethstill.edublogs.org/2009/02/28/are-we-too-connected

NPR Morning Edition, “Keep Your Tweets to Yourself” : www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104033836

Webblogged, “A cocktail Party Filled with Educators” : http://weblogg-ed.com/2009/a-cocktail-party-filled-with-educators