Social Networking and Education
From WikEd
Contributors: Wilma Afful, LaToya Bennett, Brian Bucciarelli, James Cooper, Floyd Fisher, Jodi Herrmann, Jeffrey Jakob, Tamara Rossi, Christa Steining, Pamela Zachay
Course: EPS 415: Ethical & Policy Issues in Information Technologies, Summer 2007
Instructors: Professor Nicholas C. Burbules and Jeffrey R. Thibert
Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Introduction
Nodes are the individual actors within the networks, and ties are the relationships between the actors.
In the context of today's web-related world, social networking in the technological sense deals with virtual communities that bring people together just as truly as their "tangible" communities. Defined by PC Magazine, these social networking sites employ several advances in communication and service technologies.
Search for social networking sites on the the Internet and one will find some of the more popular (such as Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn). However there are other examples of social networking sites including wikis (search them at Wiki.com, see the most popular at Wikipedia), blogs and discussion forum sites (like Blogger or LiveJournal, webrings (search for some at the WebRing Directory, and online games (the most well known and cited being Second Life, but there are others that are available and free as well, like RuneScape). Wikipedia has a fantastic list of social networking sites. Social networking will be further examined in relation to social and cultural factors, digital technologies, and the opportunities and challenges presented. The fundamental function of each of these websites is to bring together individuals with similar interests and connect them to a community in which they are active and engaged participants. The exciting part for educators is the ability to use this connection to others in a way which will further academic and professional understanding.
Social and Cultural Changes and Contextual Factors
Several changes and factors are influencing and being influenced by the ever-changing area of social networking technology. These include a different perception of communication and dissemination of information between cultures, the importance of both the collective and individual in their personal online space and how they choose to represent themselves relative to others, the ability for certain groups to access such technology, the growing need for security in today's society and how it must be adapted to address the Internet, the practicality of social networking in context, and the importance it generates in and of itself.
Communication Style: Visual Appeal
Since 1995, when the first social network website emerged, the contest for the most popular and most utilized social network has been won by many, only to later be beat out by a fellow competitor. Social networks are part of the fad and fashion world, and since it is the advertisements we see or an actual website that catches our eye, visual appeal is key to getting one to first notice the product. In 2003, Friendsterentered the social network scence on the Internet, introducing a communication system via internet for people wanting to make friends across the globe, and instantly had 20 million visitors. However, two years later, in 2005, it slipped below 1 million after MySpace and Facebook introduced popular music and video capability to their websites (Knowledge@Warton).
As social networking replaces face-to-face socializing at malls, restaurants, or extracurricular groups, networks strive to make their virtual residence as appealing as real-life outings. For example, Facebook was designed to resemble a college setting, allowing members to create photo albums, write notes back and forth, and join groups with peers that have similar interests. Social networks have added Graffiti walls and picture slideshows to their venues, blogs are written in fancy fonts and detailed with pictures and moving images, and video games are formatted to allow players to choose identities, physical characteristics, and international places to explore.
As technology advances, it is not only the visual appeal produced by the product that the consumers are focused on, but the ability of being able to create their own appeal while using the product. This focus can be integrated into the classroom setting, for it gives students a purpose for learning the knowledge of creating websites, working with photoshop, improving typing skills, and managing their navigation on the web.
Social/Economic/Cultural Patterns
Social networking has expanded from a leisure pastime to a flourishing social community for personal, business, and learning pleasures across the world. A survery conducted by Ipsos in 2007 found social networking to be most popular in South Korea, followed by Brazil, China, Mexico, and the United States (Luchter 2007).
Worldwide, YouTube and MySpace top the charts, but the popularity of social networking in South Korea can be attributed to Cyworld, which has 18 million South Korean members, equaling close to thirty percent of the country's total population (Luchter 2007).
However, generalized social spaces, such as MySpace, are being replaced by specialized social networking sites called niche social networks.
The rising popularity of niche social networking sites centers on the niche’s ability to cater to specific interests. For example, Match.com is strictly for people seeking to meet potential significant others and Dogster and Catster are for dog and cat lovers.
Another attraction of these sites is their capability to provide niche networks that accommodate certain age groups, instead of focusing on the youth market, like many of the generalized social networks (Redins).
Not only do the participants get to engage in conversation with about a subject matter they are passionate about, but also they are able to learn information from others who have knowledge on the subject.
With the possibility of having a network specific to a certain group of people with a common interest, many large companies have created private social networking applications for their employees, known as Enterprise Relationship Management (Knowledge@Warton). This setup allows business communities to connect on a business, personal, and social level.
Emphasis on the Individual, the Collective
Social networking has become increasingly popular because of its focus on the individual in relation to others. Personal profiles, like this Facebook example on their site tour, are developed as a private space for lists and information on users including their likes, dislikes, nicknames, education, accomplishments, and relationships. This increased individualism happens through a few devices including the ability to express oneself as mentioned above, find social recognition from posts made by users, and is even defined by which site you choose to write your blog or post your profile.
This creativity is demonstrated first and foremost in site layouts, which allow for customizable graphics, backgrounds, text, pictures, programs, and links. This allows individuals to not only portray themselves through their interests but also in how they artistically view themselves. Profile pictures convey personality; some people choose goofy pictures while others opt for the dramatic. Profiles and blogs allow for customizable color schemes and layouts that are as simple or as cluttered as one desires.
Besides the look and feed of a layout, social networking on the Internet is also serving as a vehicle for an exceptional degree of individuality and expression of personal opinion. Speaking of blogs specifically, Efimova & Hendrick write that it is often not about the content found in these sites but the personality behind them. They are more likely to portray a certain person than a community ideal. Profiles and blogs are used not only as a place for opinions, but personal stories and updates as well (from a car accident, to an engagement). An individual can receive recognition and attention for such postings. (“I didn’t know you’d been in an accident…” to “Congratulations on your engagement!”)
In addition to this, where you choose to share your video, place a profile, or write a journal says a lot about who you are as an individual. Danah Boyd, a Ph.D. candidate and blogger herself, has spent some time looking at the difference between Facebook and MySpace users (which she classifies as mainly socio-economic). She also cites which “crowds” tend to hang up their virtual coats where: preppy, educated kids go for Facebook and its "college" connotation, whereas alternative, emo, kids gravitate towards MySpace and its ability to be customized. With events such as the expansion of Facebook to include users not affiliated with a university or institution, users are increasingly crossing-over to other sites, linking to their individual profiles on each.
As much as there is an emphasis on the individual, the main focus of these sites is their ability to allow people to connect, meet, and reestablish relationships. Whether the user in question is someone looking for an apartment on craigslist, or a university student signing onto WebCT, both features are meant to unite people. This fundamental ability is what creates the links and contacts found in one's social network online. Not only that, but, as an individual defines themselves online, they are also defined by users relative to others on the site. This also blurs the distinction between people. Status is relative to friends, pictures, wall posts, etc. In the case of wikis, blogs, and forums, top contributors and different, popular writers are selected by mass appeal.
The web-based community improves one's social capital as a greater number of connections and opportunities are presented. This is doubly true when users are accomplishing actions and networking on the Internet and with the technology available that they would not normally be able to in their traditional community, job, or neighborhood.
Technophilia vs. Technophobia
To the millions of people worldwide who are advocates of social networking sites, this means of informational technology is an improvement of the quality of life, and not a replacement for human activity.
One of the biggest technophiles, Bill Gates, wrote a book in 1995, entitled "The Road Ahead," supporting the use of computers in everyday life. He states that informational technologies offer convenience, reduce labor, and present opportunities for people to inspire to new creative heights (Santana 1997).
Many of these creative explorations are hopeful in the school setting. Social networks can be used in education to overcome difficulties in learning, supplement subject material, and support the thinking process. Students are able to communicate across schools, cultures, and countries. In addition, social networks can stimulate learning outside of the classroom, including distance learning with teachers educated on certain topics reaching individuals around the world.
Despite the advances and advantages that social networking sites have introduced to the public, many new fears have entered the public’s mind, as well. To many, online social communities equal identity fraud, invasion of privacy, and child predators. In addition, jobs that previously had been completed by man are now able to more quickly and efficiently be completed by computer, resulting in job losses.
To a technophobe, social networking is creating distance between people. Social networking members spend their time relating to a computer and not forming real-life relationships, or even ruining those social relationships that they did have by spending time in front of the computer instead (Santana 1997).
Another fear that pertains to work is that faced by educators today. Schools are asked to prepare students for a job field which is highly dependent on computers and new advances in information technology (Santana 1997). Many educators know that their students surpass them in all areas of technology, and many parents fear that if their children are not taught the appropriate computer skills, they will be beaten out of jobs by their peers who are technologically savvy.
Although social networks are engaging the youth of today in computer processes, many adults are fearful of the lack of security and surveillance while children are accessing these sites.
Need for Security
Social networking, especially through the Internet where a participant can meet anyone they come across by extending a “Friend Request” or similar action, is prey to critiques and criticisms in personal privacy. As this form of communication and collaboration becomes utilized more and more, it is important to consider what ramifications privacy laws have on society and culture. This deals with not only what information an individual chooses to put on websites, but also what the sites themselves do to protect their clients in the virtual – and likewise real – world. Of course, it is not solely a negative aspect of technology and humans in this case. The Internet and social networking in combination with other technologies is making for advancements in personal security as well.
To begin with, social networking through blogs and websites puts a lot of personal information in an easily accessible place - and not just to friends. Prospective employers, a person just met, and people with less than honest intentions can also seek out online citizens. In this sense, and as Nilsson writes, the Internet creates a false sense of safety and anonymity. For this reason, users should review the privacy policy of their social networking sites and also learn to use privacy filters. In reviewing Terms and Conditions as well as the privacy policies on sites like Facebook, one can see that they try, but it is ultimately up to the user to be safe online. There are also the problem of meeting people who are less than reputable, especially in the case of teenagers being introduced to strangers. Accounts can also be hacked and misused, such as what happened to “Jack”. Perform a search for guides specifically written for parents and educators on how to keep the Internet safe and one will return a large number of results such as an awareness site run by the Federal Trade Commission.
In this instance, privacy issues are an interesting topic because if people feel they control their privacy settings, they are more willing to display more information to those who are friends. The way that they portray themselves on the Internet, their self-perception, and the way in which it is filtered through the computer, presents a study in the social impact of technology, and tied in with the topics discussed in the individualism section, how people choose to define themselves and present themselves to others in the online community.
Legislation and organizations are now asking whether or not social networking sites are violating the privacy of people, especially children, and how they should be monitored, filtered, or controlled. Legislation such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule as well as organizations like StaySafeOnline.Org are prime examples. The Center for Democracy and Technology have created a page outlining major Internet legislation including not just privacy and free speech topics, but also issues varying from domain names to encryption.
An important part of online safety for users and students is educating them about what information is and is not protected under policies and legislations. This includes arming them with everything from basic facts and tips about online predators to help improve the strength of their online security, as well as taking an active role by involving the community. A great example of this is Australia's nation-wide competition for Internet safety awareness. Educators can use social networking to demonstrate to children that what is placed online rarely remains private, is easily accessible, and has consequences in the offline world.
Of course, when it comes to online privacy and security, there will always be that dichotomy and search for middle ground which protects users as well as their individual rights. The fear of "Big Brother" while simultaneously the need for freedom from personal and national threats is what perpetuates this.
Importance in the Everyday
There are several factors which have augmented the trend of the social network online, one of them being social networking and its relevance to practical, everyday use. Social networking employing the web has caught on in many sectors, not just education. Business, medicine, and communications are all industries who have started to incorporate this form of technology utilization. These are explored in greater depth in the "Digital Technologies and Their Uses" section of this wiki.
Patient-to-patient, doctor-to-doctor, and patient-to-doctor medical networking all help to better health care, maintain accurate records, and allow for ease of treatment. It acts as a support system as well as an information catalog for people undergoing similar treatments or who have had shared experiences.
Sites like Campusbug and Moodle combine social networking and online education, allowing for students across the world to connect, learn, and earn degrees that they can't where they are located or because of time constraints.
Business professionals prefer sites such as LinkedIn, where people can search for jobs, companies, and schools for both people they know or prospective business opportunities. Of course, networking in praised business as a way to better oneself and organization, the trend of being able to do it online takes the practice to another level of efficiency and advantage.
Users can even draw on social networking sites to monitor their physical, geographic location to allow for networking on many levels of the community. Some suggestions include utilizing networking in the neighborhood and for social services.
The shear number of blogs, wikis, and networking sites being visited every day, all over the world is enough to command respect (example: this marketing survey on Canadian usage).
In essence, the shift to social networking and collaboration on the Internet is changing the way we socialize - at work, in our educations, and in our communities. The physical and the online are merging together, but only for those with access. This furthers the social and cultural boundaries. Geographically, boundaries disappear while economically, they are deepened. Removing the element of meeting face-to-face places introverts and extroverts on an even playing field.
Significance and Self-Perpetuation
Social networking has topped the charts as the most popular online activity, surpassing online shopping, banking, and music downloading. It is safe to say that, although specific sites may not top the charts for a long period of time, social networks in general are here to stay.
Surveys have proved that virtual networking has overtaken real socializing for some people. In a poll taken in London, France, six-percent of the people questioned stated that, on average, spend more than ten hours a week on social networking sites, which equals 24 days a year; surpassing the twenty-two days spent actually meeting with friends and relatives in person (Reuters 2007).
With the cost of gaining new members teetering at close to nothing, considering members join at freewill and create their own profiles, and the cost of running a web server is relatively low, social networks are not footing the bill. In contrast, these networks can be highly profitable, for if the website has a large member base, businesses choose to advertise on the sites (Knowledge@Wharton).
However, the future will hold changes for the social networking scene. The next step is cell phone access, allowing social network members to send messages and just profiles right from their phones. Facebook is joining together with Cingular, Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless, and MySpace has a pact with Helio, allowing members to update their blogs and profiles by phone (Knowledge@Wharton 2006).
As technology has become the focus of most business corporations, social networks provide an engaging venue for the youth population, providing a starting point for website, design, and uploading education that can be incorporated in the school setting. The majority of these blossoming networks were created by young entrepreneurs, such as Facebook, started by a 21-year-old Harvard student, giving students achievable goals in the technology world.
Digital Technologies and Their Uses
Organizations often provide opportunities for social networking in formal and informal settings. The academic setting is the first place social networking takes place outside of the family. Children are exposed to people with similar goals. As the children make friends networks naturally develop because of common interest and abilities. Children who are athletically inclined join sports teams. Those who desire academic recognition join book clubs or aspire to become members of honor societies. The functions associated with these groups connect them with other people that share their interests. These meetings allow the network participants to gain new skills and ideas. These children as they become adults continue to seek the advantages of belonging to a social network by joining fraternal and professional organizations. The advantage of belonging to an organization is support from peers and colleagues. The conferences held by these types of organizations often provided a platform for the exchange of new ideas and concepts. People belonging to these groups often feel a sense of loyalty to the members. Members of a group will often provide information for advancement of other members before disclosing such information to an outsider. The disadvantages to these types of networks are many. Membership into these groups is often difficult or costly. The group sets it’s own policies for admission and conduct of the members. Often these networks are closed not allowing influence from outside agencies. Smaller groups within an organization can hinder the progress of the membership. Personality conflicts between members often cause the exchange of ideas and information to be stifled. The biggest problem with this form of communication is often the people themselves. The viability of a social organization is dependent to its ties to information within its community as well as establishing network with similar communities
Uses of various methods of communication to support social networking
This wiki is an investigation of how social and cultural factors of social networks have been furthered by digital technologies; it also explores the educational possibilities and challenges when developing these networks. Written correspondence is one the oldest forms of communication. Ancient Greeks used the scroll to communicate with other rulers or to make laws official. As literacy became more common, letter writing was an important way to exchange information and connect with people outside of the immediate proximity. The mail delivery system enabled people to expand their social network for a comparatively nominal cost. Documents were tangible proof of inclusion in a certain group, such a family, social club or professional organization. The problem with this type of interaction is response can be slow. The missives are easily damaged or lost due to human or mechanical error. The letters intended message could be misunderstood due to poor literacy skills. The invention of the telegraph later named the telegram was able to transmit information across greater distances within a shorter time. The cablegram also allowed messages to be sent overseas using submarines. These types of messages were very popular. People were able to communicate short messages to family and business associates with fewer incidences of lost or damaged correspondence. The trouble with this method of communication is an agent was required in most instances to decode the message. The recipient had to either go to a telegraph office or wait for it to be delivered was another drawback. The level of privacy and accuracy a message received depended greatly on the telegram agent. The use of the telegram decreased with the introduction other technologies.
The construction of the telephone infrastructure paved the way for telecommunications of today. The telephone allows people to connect worldwide without much difficulty. Information can be disseminated quickly between parties with reasonable privacy and security. The amount if information shared is limited only by the amount of time available for the interaction. This exchange is also limited by the cost of placing the call. The cost minutes will vary be the distance between callers. This technology is still evolving offering new and better service. FAX machines used the structure established by telephone companies. This was a great breakthrough in communications. People were now able to send documents across the world in matter of minutes. The downside of this method is often poor document quality and specialized equipment is required.
Digital technology and how it supports social networking
Man is described as a gregarious animal. This would mean that man cannot live alone without connecting with others. The earliest means of connect with other was through face to face contacts. This involved one moving from a different location to another in order to meet with a partner. The advent of digital technology has helped made connecting with each other very easy. The convenience that digital technology provides, has given man the ability to communicate easily and in a timely manner. This is what urged on the use of digital technology for social networking.
The early 1980’s saw the surge in the use of digital technology. The evolution of digital technology saw the development of different gadgets that helped change the way and manner in which social networking had once been practiced. The computer was one of the main digital technologies that changed the face of social networking. I.e. bulletin boards, internet blogs, emails, online courses, net meeting, and video conferences became avenues by which people interacted with each other on the computer.
Computer games such Second Life also played an important role in the development of social networking through digital technology. Games such as second life have encouraged people to practice experimental learning in a global context.
Other form of digital technology that helped promote social is networking were hand held devices such as cell phone and black berries. The cell phones efficiency stemmed from the fact that it was wireless and convenient to carry around. It was mainly used for communication purposes, but with time other features were added to it which helped enhance social networking.
The use of the digital technologies mentioned above were so convenient the we have gradually gotten to a point where “We now live in an era where the technology is becoming mandatory instead of a choice. We have found ourselves tethered to our technology in a way that has really changed our lifestyle.” The ability people have to express themselves without any apprehension on web pages such us wikipidiea, myspace etc. has also encouraged the use of the new technology for social networking.
Examples of social network communities changed by the use of digital
Political Campaigns and Fundraising
Political campaigns and /fundraiser have see a dramatic change with the inception of digital technology. It was the practice that politician relied heavily on funds raising dinners or rallies to seek funding for political campaigns. With the advent of technology new avenues for this process have been developed. The web is favorably used for fundraising and to observe fundraising. Personal bloggs, emails and the use of cell phones are some examples of technology being used for political campaigns An internet blog is a frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links. It functions as a kind of electronic journal about peoples thought and ideas as they relate to each other. Information on these blogs could be about social, organizational or political issues. Politicians today provide profiles on themselves, written speeches, photo gallery, contacts, up and coming events, and avenues to donate money on their blogs. This has helped create a community of individuals who are devoted to a particular candidate. The blog provides an avenue for supporter to communicate with each other about strategies enhance their candidate’s chances of winning an election and also share information about their ideologies. This change is obvious as compare to previous times when one had to access this from the newspapers or the media. Visiting some these blogs actually makes one feel closer to the candidate they support, than one having to watch the candidate for a few minutes on television. It has become an avenue for funs to donate money for their candidates. Electronic mail (email) is a means by which information is transferred from one person or persons to another. This Information can be stored electronically over communication networks. It is an electronic form of written correspondence, and can be easily assessed with a computer, cell phone or black berry. With this definition of email it becomes obvious how create the results will in developing social networking electronically. Politicians can send bulk emails to their little community of supporters to update them on progress of fundraising or to even thank them for their contributions to a donation. This is much cheaper than the conventional post. It provides an avenue for two-way communication, where one sends a message and can receive an instant response. It can also create an interactive community of supporters as well.
Academic and Professional Communities
Technology has also changed the way educational and professional communities share information amongst their members. Online courses are now being used as a means of instruction for some educational institutions. Online courses are computer based instructions in which instruction is conducted with the use the World Wide Web as the primary delivery method of information. A text book may or may not be required and all other materials, as well as communication with the instructor, are provided through the course web-site.Communication amongst the students and instructor is done though synchronized /Asynchronized learning. This is another change that digital technology has had on social networking. It changed from the usual physical presence of the students and instructor in the classroom to the use of the World Wide Web to facilitate that relationship and has promoted a global collaborative group. Net Meeting is a conferencing client developed by Microsoft that allows users to interact in real time over the internet. It allows one to chat with a partner which results in transfer of information amongst them. Another way by which social networking has evolved electronically, and has also created a great change in the professional community.
MySpace was founded in 2003 by, Tom Anderson and Chris De Wolfe. Tom Anderson being the president, and a few computer programmers set up the first pages of MySpace and the site grew from there. It is currently the most popular social networking website on the Internet, and is the most popular website for teenagers as well, consistently performing among the top sites in United States web traffic rankings.
MySpace presents a direct personification of the changes that technology has had on social networking. It was first established as a place to make friends. It provided the opportunity for people to store photos, music and files. It gradually became an avenue for interaction between most young adults. At the moment MySpace can be viewed as a big community of young adults with the aim to establish contacts with individuals they meet online. They share information on culture, politics, education and basically events happening in every young person’s life. So popular and functional is MySpace that other communities have found a niche in the web space of my space. Marketers are now using this website to market their products and politicians have also created active accounts in my space order to attract young voters to their “camps,” and also inform them of about their ambitions. It has also created an avenue for bridging the gap between people of different classes; celebrities will be able to interact with their funs without any physical contact. Though MySpace is a global means of interaction, access to information and dissemination of information varies in different countries. In countries like America, there probably is no limit on how much and what kind of information that can be shared. However in countries like China there are censorships on what can and cannot be discussed on this website.
Entertainment and Games
Before the onset of computer games, children met at social gatherings in order to interact with each other, or played in their backyards with their neighbors. The inception of video games has however changed this. Children and sometimes adults now sit in the comfort of their homes and play these computer games. Some of these games can be played while children are physically present in a group such as the WII and Nintendo. However there are other games that can be played on the World Wide Web. E.g. Dungeons and dragons. Dungeons and dragons is a “fantasy play game.” It involves a group of people to play. As the games go on, there is interaction amongst the group members on what decisions needs to be taken as they proceed. This involves knowledge sharing as well. The individuals in this game do chat and share information with each other thereby developing a social relationship. Thus video games have created a new development on how social networking has gradually evolved with digital technology.
Medicine
Telemedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve patients' health care. Closely associated with telemedicine is the term "telehealth," which is often used to encompass a broader definition of remote healthcare that does not always involve clinical services. Videoconferencing, transmission of still images, e-health (including patient portals), remote monitoring of vital signs, continuing medical education and nursing call centers are all considered part of telemedicine and telehealth.
Telemedicine may be as simple as two health professionals discussing a case over the telephone, or as complex as using satellite technology and video-conferencing equipment to conduct a real-time consultation between medical specialists in two different countries. It can also involve the use of an unmanned robot Telemedicine generally refers to the use of communications and information technologies for the delivery of clinical care. Care at a distance (also called in absentia care), is an old practice which was often conducted via post; there has been a long and successful history of in absentia health care, which - thanks to modern communication technology - has metamorphosed into what we know as modern telemedicine. In its early manifestations, African villagers used smoke signals to warn people to stay away from the village in case of serious disease. In the early 1900s, people living in remote areas in Australia used two-way radios, powered by a dynamo driven by a set of bicycle pedals, to communicate with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. The terms e-health and telehealth are at times wrongly interchanged with telemedicine. Like the terms "medicine" and "health care", telemedicine often refers only to the provision of clinical services while the term telehealth can refer to clinical and non-clinical services such as medical education, administration, and research. The term e-health is often, particularly in the UK and Europe, used as an umbrella term that includes telehealth, electronic medical records, and other components of health IT.
WebMD is a wonderful example of this new technology. Prior to founding WebMD, Jeff Arnold was chairman and CEO of Quality Diagnostic Services (QDS), a cardiac arrhythmia monitoring company, which he founded in 1994. He recognized a need for an improved approach to manage arrhythmia patients and applied the innovative use of diagnostic telemedicine technology, software solutions and computer telephony. Arnold started the company with an initial family investment of $25,000 and grew QDS to one of the nation's largest cardiac-event monitoring companies within three years. He sold QDS to Matria Healthcare for $25 million in 1998. In 1997, Arnold started Endeavor Technologies, Inc. to explore enhanced applications for Internet and computer telephony services. With the proceeds from the sale of QDS, Endeavor became WebMD, a provider of online health information services, in August 1998. It is now used by consumers, physicians, healthcare professionals, employers and health plans through public and private online portals and health. "The health-care industry is highly fragmented-both on and off the Web," Reggie Bradford says. "We're trying to create a movement." As a health-care portal, WebMD stitches together the fragments of the current marketplace in which individual players must sink or swim alone, by linking suppliers, doctors, and information providers. Through aggressive mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic partnerships, WebMD provides each of these players with speed, scale, and "first-mover advantage"-providing the marketing and management expertise and enabling them to keep their eyes on their core businesses. In late May, the company announced a merger with Healtheon. It also has attracted a bevy of on-line partners and investors, including CNN, Lycos, McKessonHBOC, Premiere, and Tenet Healthcare.
Effects of digital technology on Social Networking
Digital technology has provided a great improvement in the changes that have occurred in social networking. Digital technology changed the trend of social networking in the following ways:
• Effective exchange of information and self organization thus the timely manner in which information is transferred from people who wish to interact with each other and the provision of features on the gadgets used, to organize appointments keep records etc.
• Improvement in knowledge sharing between people across institutions,geographical boundaries where by people in different countries and institutions are able to share information in an efficient and timely manner through the internet (email), text messaging etc. Promotion of diversity as information flows from different countries/boundaries. This is one example of the advantages that socialnetworking sites like my space has provided for its users.
• Reduced cost and enhanced assess to communication equipment as compared to written correspondence and cablegram.
• Increased collaboration and partnership that has helped improve organizational performance. Thus digital technology has caused the world to be viewed as a global village. Organizations leached onto the advantages of the digital technology to improve communications globally and even locally e.g. using cell phones or black berry. Trade and commerce has become easy e.g. E-banking, and effective contracts are made e.g. though video conferencing. This can be compared to the time and money that would be needed if the old system of social networking were adopted. Also people seem to collaborate more on the social networking sites then when they meet in person. The social networking sites are viewed as communities that people are able to identify with. There is a sense of belonging amongst these people which inspires them to join these networking sites. It is very convinient for people to meet on line without having to move from one location to another. Another innovation with these networking sites is the ability that the participants have to speak to one another or even share pictures. It almost creates the same effects as meeting a person physically.
Problems with digital technology on Social Networking
The problems with digital technology being used as a tool for social networking include security, identity and virtuality. The internet being the most abused. Hackers are able to gain access to people’s personal information. Criminals such as pedophiles now have a very easy way of getting to children on the internet by logging onto networking sites such as my space trying to make contact with them and luring them into trouble.. Another problem with security that emerged with the invention of digital technology is the complex network developed by terrorist and which enables them to communicate and carry out attacks. The timeliness of digital technology makes it easy for free flow of information amongst these groups. E.g. the internet and cell phones now play a major role in facilitating attacks on their targets.
Some avenues for social networking brought on by digital technology, have participants take on identities to proceed in their virtual world. E.g. Second life. The problem that could arise from this situation could be that of deception where one lies about who he or she actually is, or one could take on an identity with the aim of abusing and other party. (Burbules, 2002). Also the problem with virtuality also exists with digital social networking. The virtual world is just a simulation for a game and not the real thing.
Educational Opportunities and Possibilities with Social Networking
Educational Opportunities
Literacy skills for the 21st century learner are social skills. "Students respond well to opportunities for public speaking and performing. Such activities tie the development of social skills to the development of literacy skills." Social networking allows users to become responsible for their own learning by becoming a member of a community of learners. Social Networking allows users to share knowledge, ideas, thoughts and skills with other users. According to E.D. Patarakin, social networking can assist in teaching the following skills: common viewpoints, tolerance, development of centralized models and an environmental strategy and criticality of thought. Common viewpoints allow students to understand that everyone has an opinion and a right to share that opinion. Tolerance allows students to listen and communicate with others, who they may not have under ordinary circumstances. Developing centralized models and an environmental strategy allows students to be a contributors in a social community. Critical thinking also allows students to question their own thoughts, views and ideas about topics. Social networking allows students the opportunity to have broadened views of the world around them. For instance, consider studying the climate in Spain. Students can quickly contact other students who live in Spain and ask them about the climate, rather than just studying the topic through traditional resources.
Connecting Classrooms
Connecting classrooms allows students and teachers to have many resources readily available. Students can learn about other cultures and different points of view that they would not be exposed to through traditional means.
The British Learning Council speaks of a program entitled "Connecting Classrooms". "Connecting Classrooms" provides cluster groups of three schools with the chance to partner with schools from two different countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK. The purpose of the program is to enable intercultural dialogue and to increase knowledge and understanding of each other's societies."
Countries participating are Botswana, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the four countries of the UK.
Schools apply to the program in "clusters" of three. If accepted, they will form partnerships with two other clusters from two other countries. Each "partnership" consists of 3 United Kingdom schools, plus 3 schools from two different African countries.
Availability of Distance Learning, like Moodle Sites
Currently there are many types of distance learning available to students of different ages. In the United States and other countries, high school students have the option of enrolling in online classes through a program entitled Virtual High School. Virtual High School allows students to take courses necessary for graduation. These classes are completely online and availabe to high school students in the following states and/or countries: Arkansas, Alabama, Arizona, California, China, Colorado, Columbia, Connecticut, England, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusettes, Malaysia, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Neuvo Leon, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Romania, Tennessee, Texas, United Arab Emirates, Virginia, Venezuela, Vermont, and Washington.
For colleges, the possiblities for distance learning are many. There are many advertisements for online degrees, but students should be careful in choosing a college. There are currently six regional accreditors for online colleges that are recognized by both the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), which accredits schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
- North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement(NCA), which accredits schools in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
- Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA), which accredits schools in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.
- Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS), which accredits schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Latin America.
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which accredits schools in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Palau, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands, and other Australasian locations.
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU), which accredits schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Many colleges use something called Moodle. Moodle is a "course management system designed to help educators who want to create quality online courses. The software is used all over the world by universities, schools, companies and independent teachers. Moodle is open source and completely free to use." The following countries have Moodle servers: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Instant Messaging, Video Conferencing, and Chat Rooms as a Link
Instant messaging is a form of communication that allows two or more users to communicate in real-time. There are many different types of instant messages applications including, but not limited to America Online Instant Messenger, Windows Messenger, Hotmail messenger, Yahoo Instant Messenger, Gmail Messenger, MySpace Instant Messenger, Skype Instant Messenger. Instant messaging allows users to transmit information quickly and give and receive immediate feedback in a conversation. Applications and files can be shared through instant messaging. Most instant messaging is free with internet usage.
Video Conferencing allows users to view each other via video and audio. Video conferencing was once an expensive form of communitcation but can now be conducted via video phone or through computers with technology as simple as a webcam. Videoconferencing makes distance learning more personal.
Chat rooms are comprised of users with similar interests. Chat rooms are a medium for users to discuss topics. There are educational chat rooms available for nearly every curriculum topic. Chat rooms are easily accessible and very user-friendly.
Podcasting
According to Dr. Kathleen P. King, students who use and/or create podcasts in their courses may :
-Be able to use multiple learning styles to learn additional content,
-Learn 21st Century skills by using podcasts and by participating in creating them,
-Learn lifelong learning skills through self-directed learning, co-learning and facilitated learning with teachers and students
-Gain global perspectives by educators using other podcasts as part of their classes,
-Develop critical analysis and reflection if educators create podcasts that explore deeper meanings of content.
- as a teacher's resource to reach students
Teachers can podcast lectures for students to download either on a computer or an ipod. This allows students the opporunity to listen to the lectures at their own leisure and to listen multiple times, if needed. There are many resources availabe to teacher's for podcasting, including but not limited to : Apple's Podcasting in Education, Podomatic, Gary Stager's Podcasting Resources for Educators and Students, iTunes and Edupodder.com Podcasts are also valuable learning tools for students learning a foreign language.
- as a communication tool for and between students
Through the use of podcasting, students can subscribe to one another's podcasts and collaborate on group projects. Students can present their point of view without interruption. Students can also learn from each other by listening to how other students interpret information. Creating a podcast allows students to feel a sense of ownership, in that they have created something which conveys their own thoughts and ideas.
Collaborative Projects
Collaboration is a process defined by the recursive interaction of knowledge and mutual learning between two or more people working together in an intellectual endeavor toward a common goal, which is typically creative in nature. Collaboration does not necessarily require leadership and can even bring better results through decentralization and egalitarianism. Project is something that is contemplated, devised, or planned. When we put these two definitions together we get a Collaborative Project. This is used primarily in the business and education worlds. People refer to these projects as ‘team projects’. In terms of everyone has a part in completing the project and work is divided up amongst team members. Collaborative projects are a key way to link people socially in order to complete a common goal. These projects are based solely on social networking and force our students to use different forms of communication in order to complete a given task at hand. Once a collaborative project is given to our students, it is their job to network amongst themselves and devise a plan. They can then use different forms of social networking such as these examples that are to follow.
Blogs
A blog is a website where entries are written in chronological order and commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. They provide commentary or news on a particular subject such as food, politics, or local news. Also, some of these are used as personal diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, or links to other blogs, webpages, or media related topics. Weblogs are increasingly being used in education by researchers, teachers, and students. Professors are keeping research blogs, requiring students to blog, or creating course weblogs. Students are keeping course blogs or personal blogs. Scholars are studying and writing about the weblog phenomenon while keeping weblogs about weblogs.
Wikis
A wiki is a collaborative website which can be directly edited by anyone with access to it. These pages allow a user to edit and update a page. However the main user of the page can allow edits to the page. Considering students' busy schedules, a wiki is very useful for tracking and completing group projects. It allows group members to track their research and ideas from anywhere they have internet access, helps them save time by seeing what sources other shave already checked, then gives them a central place to collectively prepare the final product. (i.e. write and edit a group paper or prepare the content of a PowerPoint or keynote presentation). One way to do this is to give each group a wiki page in which to write the paper itself and give each member of the group a separate page to track his/her research for the paper. The page lets you see how the group is working collaboratively to construct the paper, and the individual pages let you track how each group member is developing his/her contribution to the paper, and gives you a place to leave feedback and suggestions for each student. If you use the individual pages this way, you may want to restrict viewing access for each student's individual page to only you and that student.
Web-Based Data Sharing Projects
Web based data sharing allows access to data and methods as necessary for other researchers to verify research to build on it.
Educational Possibilities
Using Existing Technology in a New Way
Cell Phones, iPods, and PDAs
Cell phones and iPod’s are the newest forms of technology being updated everyday. These two forms of technology have a computer based operating system on them and allow students/people in the work force to travel with only these pieces and have everything at the tip of their hands.
At Duke University all incoming freshman are to purchase an iPod so that their teachers can have the students upload podcasts, papers, and pdf’s onto their iPod for viewing during a lecture. This allows students to view presentations from a smaller object instead of making them carry a laptop everywhere they go.
Many districts and schools are exploring cost-effective methods of expanding their education technology integration and are increasingly turning to PDA's as flexible alternative to expensive computer labs, classroom computers and laptops. PDA's are versatile, compatible with most mainstream software and offer wireless connectivity. Infusing PDA Technology into Curriculum teaches educators the basic functions of the PDA and its ability to increase teacher and student productivity in the classroom. Using the Windows Pocket PC operating system, participants learn how to utilize fully the functionality of their PDA, to manage and coordinate both personal and professional activities and to develop and integrate subject-specific lessons for their individual classrooms.
Myspace.com (and Other Social Sites)
The use of websites like myspace.com allows students and teachers to keep a ‘blog’ like entry to ask questions, and allow for peer interaction pertaining to work. Although these sites have been commonly used as places for uploading pictures and having discussions on where to meet up to go out at night, they do serve as a practical purpose in the educational setting. Ways that this can be implemented more would be if a teacher has a myspace site and has her students join her site for questions, assessment preparation, or updates to the class syllabus. If the teacher decides to change a homework assignment, add a project, all the students will receive an email because she updated her myspace account. If students have a question about something, other students can answer the question that another student might have. This is a great way for students to network socially amongst one other on a site many already are a part of.
Ebay for Economics
The use of Ebay or the World Wide Web is one that could be extremely beneficial. Imagine being able to have many different resources with different comparable prices all right next to one another. Using these sources would allow a teacher to understand how all of this works. It shows the students the best price for the product, what is a reasonable price to pay, and how to go about purchasing it. A way the students can use this for social networking is they are able to ask the buyer questions about the product. As well if they are interested in a product they can email the site to a peer that they are collaborating on the project with. This site may be very beneficial to the networking of our students.
Future Technology Advances in Social Networking
As technology advances, communication is impacted greatly. As the divide between phone, PDA, MP3 player, television, and computer becomes smaller, the way we communicate with one another will change, as well. As new technology is becoming more available to larger numbers of people, traditional uses of technology and social networking will evolve. Social networking will no longer be something that individuals do in isolation at the family computer in the home. With advances in cell phone, PDAs, and other handheld devices, social networking will become more incorporated into many people, especially students' everyday social lives. The links between users can be stronger as users will be able to communicate regularly throughout the day as the means of accessing the social networking sites will be portable and more advanced with cameras, video, and audio.
Hypothesis for the Future of Social Networking in Education
The crossover of technology for entertainment or communication into education is a normal progression. Educational programming has found its way into our nation's schools through cable, VHS, DVD, and now live streaming. The popularity of video games has made their use as an effective educational tool in many schools and homes across the nation. The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and share information and almost all schools now have internet access.
As internet access increases and programs and software advance, especially with the advances in web 2.0, the educational possibilities also increase. Just as other technologies have found their way into the classroom, social networking, too, will become a major influence in our nation's schools. Students today are using sites like myspace.com, facebook.com, and others for socialization. With minor adaptions or guidance, sites such as these can become tools for learning not just socialization, but core curriculum.
Networks can be created for classrooms to work on collaborative projects. In fact students may not attend a school, but may have classes or teachers in schools across the globe, accessed through the internet and social networking-based sites. Just as 'the wall,' message boards on personal pages for sites such as myspace and facebook, are now including pictures and videoclips from youtube.com, the future possibilites are endless. Students may soon be streaming live video feed from their personal experiences through a cell phone or video recorder directly to other students. Teachers may conduct classes live or recorded through technology like elluminate on networking sites.
As administrators realize the benefits of social networking, sites such as myspace will no longer be a blocked site, but one that is endorsed by schools. All students will have accounts and teachers will be able to communicate through blogs, message boards, video, and audio. Students will become members of myspace 'groups' run by each teacher. These classes can then be combined with classes from different parts of the county and world.
Virtual experiences will also become more commonplace. The use of social networking sites in a three dimensional virtual experience will grasp the creativity and imaginations of our nation's students. These students will create avatars that represent themselves and will change with the student as the student learns, grows, and matures. These students will attend classes in these virtual worlds like in Second Life. Traveling to experience the cultures of different countries may be difficult to do in real life, but as these social networks grow, students can virtually travel, interact with avatars representing real students from these far away countries and cultures, and virtually see these countries from a computer. The educational experiences that can be gained in this way are not far off from the present. The popularity of Second Life is ever growing and new sites will be created, incorporating the latest technology into virtual social networking.
As our world is changing due to the technology or information revolution, the way our education system is run must change, as well. Incorporating new technology, such as social networking, is the natural progression. Just as televisions, VCRs, DVD players, computers, and the internet have found a place in our nation's classrooms, social networking will, too.
Educational Challenges with Social Networking
Access
School funding is not equitable. Every state has their own particular funding formula. Many times these funding formulas allow the rich to get richer, which allows for a discrepancy in the technological access available to schools. This discrepancy prevents many schools from being able to use some of the educational social networking sites that are on the internet. There are many hidden costs to technology that many schools can not afford. This also causes unequal access in using social networking technology in schools. The costs do not stop at purchasing computers and installing software. In an article from "Electronic School", Sara Fitzgerald discusses some of the other costs of technology. "If school officials don't provide adequate funding for training, computers will sit idle because teachers don't know how to use them. If they don't budget enough money for computer support, the reliability of the district's network could be compromised. And if school officials don't make plans to replace the computers they are now installing, they will end up, five or six years from now, with buildings full of rapidly aging, if not obsolescent, equipment." (Fitzgerald, 1999) In order to cut costs, many school districts will lessen the amount of computer support staff available. This often turns into an expensive hidden cost. "To cite one example, a consultant reviewing the computer support needs of the Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools calculated that the district, which has 225 schools, was actually spending the equivalent of 330 full-time equivalent teaching positions, or $16.5 million a year, in the amount of teacher time devoted to computer support. (This calculation assumed that each teacher spent an hour a week trying to fix a problem that could have been avoided with better support or standardized equipment, and that 5 percent of teachers are "technical wizards" who have to spend an additional 1.5 hours a week helping peers who call on them for assistance." (Fitzgerald, 1999)
School districts often aquire technology but do not aquire the funds required to sustain the technology. Technology not being sustained prevents teachers from knowing about and using websites such as Moodle. In the unpublished manuscript "Funding Strategies for School Districts to Promote Engaged Learning Through Technology," Sun listed some strategies for technology aquisition and implementation:
- All requests for technology funding must be tied to the school or district technology plan. This plan should be put into place before any serious attempt is made for funding.
- The requested funding should establish a link between technology and the bigger picture of teaching and learning. Technology is not an end in itself but a helpful tool for creating and supporting engaged learning environments. Therefore, funding requests should clearly support a higher purpose than simply the acquisition of hardware and equipment. Unfortunately, this fact often is overlooked by those new to or unfamiliar with the technology-enhanced classroom. Making this linkage explicit in the technology plan can aid in understanding why technology funding is important.
- The best bet for technology funding is to build community support and to develop funding out of local resources.
- Technology is an ongoing investment and therefore should be considered as a regular expense, not a one-time purchase. Schools or districts should seek school budget line items for technology or should include technology in other existing budget lines (such as facilities) rather than relying upon bonds and one-time expenditures.
- Bond initiatives are useful for initial technology implementation, but they do not address ongoing expenses. Although bonds can bring in a large amount of funding for implementing large-scale networking projects and purchasing equipment, technology implementation ultimately relies upon factors such as training, repair, and maintenance. These factors are ongoing expenses and cannot be financed all at once.
- The value of grants can be increased if they are matched by local contributions. Although schools and districts appreciate grant funds for hardware and other infrastructure needs, the grant value is increased if it is matched by local contributions toward ongoing expenses. Therefore, grant requests should always indicate where local funds or other resources will match the requested funding. Further, the local match should be specific about what it will finance and about how the combined grant and local match will fulfill the school or district's technology goals.
- Equipment donations must be critically appraised as a funding mechanism for technology. Some donations are useful, both practically and politically, as a graphic demonstration of local support for a school's technology efforts. Nevertheless, schools must be wary of becoming dumping grounds for old equipment that may need repair or maintenance work. Old equipment may be better than nothing, but schools ultimately need the same level of technology as the business world. In short, schools should neither universally accept nor reject technology donations. Instead, they should critically examine the value of such donations in light of their overall technology strategy.
- All technology funding requests should incorporate discussion of how the results of the funding will be evaluated for their impact on teaching and learning."
There are many programs available to provide access to technology, but the programs are not available to all schools. Although more and more schools have computers and other technology, not all technology is equal. This is noted when looking at the technology of Minnesota Public Schools. "In Minnesota's Saint Paul Public Schools, there are 13 students to each computer. That's not quite as attractive as our state average of about 10:1 and the national ratio of 11:1. Ratios vary considerably among the 16,000 school districts and, taken alone, don't tell us much about equity of usage, anyway. Many of our district's computers are older, less-powerful machines without high-resolution color, CD-ROMs or Internet access." (Gaines) Neuman points out that even with schools that have access, that the access is not often equitable. "Not surprisingly, we find they are most often female, handicapped, minority, disadvantaged and urban. They are the less academically able, more kinesthetic learners, the often "at-risk" students. Even when we find schools with adequate, up-to-date technology, it is often in the hands of more adept learners. The less able and special needs students are often consigned to less frequent access, to the older equipment, to the redundant, simple software applications."(Neuman)
There is a clear divide in the technology available in schools. This is presented by a press release from the Secretary of Education in 1998:
- Schools with 50 percent or more minority students, and schools with 71 percent or more poor students, lagged behind other schools. In addition, smaller schools were less likely to be connected.
- Only 27 percent of all instructional rooms (classrooms, computer labs, school libraries and media centers) are hooked up to the Internet.
- Only 14 percent of that amount represent our nation's poorest communities.
Internet access increased most notably in the southeast and central regions of the U.S. from 1996 to 1997.
There is also the belief that computers do not need to be made available to students and teachers. Some believe theat there should be a focus on the basic skills rather than technology. Social networking does have a place in schools, but students should only be granted access to appropriate social networking sites.
Social Networking Challenges in the Classroom
Social Networking Challenges in the Classroom Social networking use is not a new phenomenon, but is rapidly growing among young people. While there are positives of networking that allow students to interact with peers that share the same interests, classrooms are faced with multiple challenges as these students gain access to networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and similar sites. There are now more than fifty million users, millions of them teenagers, estimated to be using My Space. Should access be allowed in the classroom? Challenges rising from the increased popularity include issues of filtering, cyber bullying and online predators, as well as privacy protection rights. Schools are enacting Acceptable Use Policies and regulations aimed at protecting the students.
As children become more and more tech-savvy, schools and parents rush to stay ahead. Filtering, also spoken of in the above discipline section, is one method schools are using to protect students from accessing predetermined inappropriate sites in classrooms. The challenge not only arises from which filtering tool to use, but is filtering acceptable. Filtering is a software package that blocks websites, specific words, and pictures (pornography) in an attempt to create a safe space. While schools debate the topic of which filtering service to provide, they are faced with ethical issues associated with filtering. Callister and Burbules, writing for Phi Delta Kappan, suggest that “One of the most controversial and contentious issues surrounding the use of new information and communication technologies, especially in schools and libraries, is whether or not authorities should filter students’ access to the Internet” (Callister and Burbules). Should schools filter? Who determines what should be filtered? What is offensive or inappropriate to one may not be to the next. As an example, should schools block all websites or articles that have the word “homosexual” or “breast”? Issues such as these create hot debates among educators and parents. Speaking on the topic of protecting the MySpace generation, Douglas Levine,senior editor of Cable in the Classroom, states that filtering is a necessary means to ensure students safety, “…but these measures may not work for tech-savvy teens who can bypass filters and access the Internet from outside the home. In this case, the best defense as a parent is to have frequent and open conversations with kids about the challenges of being online," he says. "Schools really should be a resource for parents. And educators now know kids are connected a lot," he says. In the new survey, 71 percent of parents polled said they thought that schools should bear the responsibility for ensuring the safety of children online. This does leave the educational system with a large responsibility.
A continued challenge facing schools and students with the increased use of social networking online sites is that of cyber bullying. Cyber-bullying is similar to other types of bullying, except it takes place online and through text messages sent to cell phones. “Cyber-bullying is any cyber-communication or publication posted or sent by a minor online, by instant messenger, e-mail, website, diary site, online profile, interactive game, handheld device, cell phone or other interactive device that is intended to frighten, embarrass, harass or otherwise target another minor” (Bebo). If there aren't minors on both sides of the communication, it is considered cyber-harassment, not cyber-bullying. A recent study conducted by the Pew Internet Project found that one-third of American online teenagers have been a victim of cyber-bullying. Of the online teenagers, those that use social networking sites such as My Space, Facebook, and Bebo, thirty-nine percent reported being victims of varying forms of bullying ranging from release of personal information to pictures being made public via the internet. In the United Kingdom, the government reports that one in five schoolchildren have been victims of this internet bullying. Cyber-bullies can be classmates, online acquaintances, and even anonymous users, but most often they do know their victims. From the National Crime Prevention Council, some examples of ways kids bully online are: • Sending someone mean or threatening emails, instant messages, or text messages. • Excluding someone from an instant messenger buddy list or blocking their email for no reason. • Tricking someone into revealing personal or embarrassing information and sending it to others. • Breaking into someone's email or instant message account to send cruel or untrue messages while posing as that person. • Creating websites to make fun of another person such as a classmate or teacher. • Using websites to rate peers as prettiest, ugliest, etc. Victims of cyber-bullying may experience many of the same effects as children who are bullied in person, such as a drop in grades, low self-esteem, a change in interests, or depression. Educators and parents must learn to pay attention to signs of bullying in children. Cyber-bullies are often moved by anger, revenge or frustration. Some even suggest they do it for entertainment, for laughs, or because they are bored and have too much time on their hands. Some simply bully to get a reaction. “The Power-Hungry do it to torment others and for their ego…Mean Girls do it to help bolster or remind people of their own social standing” (Bebo). Whatever the reson social networking provokes bullies, schools and parents must work to prevent children and students from becoming victims.
Schools are working to create Acceptable Use Policies to deal with and limit the amount of social networking allowed in the classroom; thus limiting those becoming victims. In the United Kingdom, the government has issued safety guidelines for schools to implement. The guidelines can be read at BBE News Online in the article Government Acts on Cyber-Bullies. In the United States, multiple states are considering legislation to crackdown on cyber-bullying and to limit the effects on the victims. Vermont has enacted laws requiring schools to put anti-bullying rules into their behavior policies in part due to a young boy’s suicide after repeated instances of cyber-bullying. Ontario's Safe Schools Act was unanimous passed June 4, 2007 making bullying officially prohibited in schools that could result in suspension and even expulsion for students. Cyber-bullying has become a problem legislatures are addressing around the world as more and more children log in to social networking sites.
As millions of children and teenagers gain access to and use social networking sites, schools and parents need to work together to develop plans of action or determine if action is required. In the classroom, teachers and personnel are faced with monitoring students’ use of internet. Teachers must be aware of what students are accessing and what are they using the web for such as research or socializing. Teachers and parents need to teach children how to be safe online by not sharing personal information or posting pictures. Schools should inform students of the dangers in social networking sites while allowing them access to communicate with peers. Teachers can use the opportunity to further teach students how to analyze information and become more discerning in what they read or see in the media. Social networking should not cause all to panic, but to use wisely. Educators need to do what they do best, inform and enable students to be self thinkers.
Discipline
Early users of the internet typically found unlimited free speech and expression. Over time people have found reasons to restrict the openness. Filtering systems at schools have been put in place to restrict what can be done at school. Schools are creating policies "to constrain, to control,to stop unwanted actions." The creation of these policies also force schools to enforce the policy. Enforcing the policies can be as simple as an administrator monitoring use to filters being used. Opponents of these policies say that they make "cyberspace more like real space--regulated and concentrated, controlled and bland." Schools often find social networking sites to all into the unwanted behaviors category.
A very controversial subject in schools is whether or not it is permissible for schools to discipline students for things placed on social network websites. A standard has been set that there must be a connection to the educational environment for discipline to be able to take place. The June 2006 edition of "School Law Review" lists a series of questions to determine if there is a connection.
- Did the student use school computers,
networks, or telephone lines to access his website or update it?
- Did the student send communications directly to a school computer or directly to a teacher
or administrator?
- While at school did the student bring attention to his website?
- Have students complained to school staff about harassment resulting from information posted on the website?
- Has instructional time been taken-up addressing student or staff concerns
about the website?
- Has the website resulted in a loss of authority of the targeted staff member,
or a loss of control in the school?
- Has a targeted staff member been unable to do her job because of the emotional
stress created by the website?
- Has a student been unable to attend
school because of the emotional stress created by the website?
If any of these standards are met, the school does have the ability to discipline the student. Ideally the school would not want discipline the students, but rather educate students and parents on proper and acceptable internet use. However, when things posted do interfere with the educational environment, discipline must take place.
Athletics and other extracurricular activities are not rights guaranteed to students. For many years, school athletic codes have included provisions outlawing drinking by student athletes. Typically students would be suspended from the activity for a specified amount of the season. In the past the main way for students to get in trouble for drinking was if they were physically caught drinking. The emergence of social networking websites has changed the way students can be observed drinking. Many times students use sites such as MySpace and Facebook to post pictures and information of parties. One such example of this occured in Seabrook, New Hampshire when 17 students were suspended from activities after posting pictures from a post prom party on Facebook. Questions of legality have come into play in regards to this discipline. Community High School District 128 in Vernon Hills, IL discussed this issue in a release in 2006. "The legal basis for the blog site language in the codes has a long history in school law. In short, participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and not a right. As a result, schools may establish behavioral and conduct expectations with corresponding consequences, if students violate those expectations because students are representing their school outside of school hours. Virtually every public high school in Illinois has codes of conduct for students involved in extracurricular activities." Students and parents must recognize that their "rights" do not allow them to do anything they want. These types of codes are established to protect the students and the integrity of the activities that they are participating in.
It is a must that schools include issues with social networking in their codes of conduct. There is a proven legal backing that shows that schools can enforce issues from social networking websites. Having a policy in place will help educate students and parents of what is and is not allowed. Administrators should not go on a "witch hunt" looking for behaviors that would be in violation of the code of conduct. Any behavior from social networking websites that appears to be in violation of the policy must be investigated.
Student Behaviors
Display of Personal Information
The popularity of social networking sites on the Internet introduces the use of mediated–communication into the relationship development process. Teenagers now use organized social Web sites to meet others and explore identity formation. These sites can be viewed within a larger trend that shifts the influence of interpersonal correspondence to mediated messages. James Beniger (1986) described how in 1870 a crisis of control in the production sector of the United States evolved into a shift from personal relationships to bureaucratic organizational processes. Information processing systems were central to this change, and computers with microprocessors accelerated it. Beniger states: “The rise of the Information Society itself, more than even the parallel development of formal information theory, has exposed the centrality of information processing, communication, and control to all aspects of human society and social behavior.” “As societies achieve higher degrees of organization, mechanisms of social control will inevitably expand.” To run efficient control systems, a considerable amount of information needs to be collected about participants.
With this personal information collected about participants on social networking sites, it is important for the parents to be involved in their childs networking lifestyle. Parents need to inform children of the potential dangers of social networking sites and how they can and need to protect themselves. Within social networking, the popular phrase "don't talk to stranges" gets thrown out the door, because the intent of networking is to meet new people with new opportunities that share similar interest. With this in mind and the popularity of these sites and information being viewed and assessed, the line between public and private information is becoming very transparent. On social networking sites Internet thieves and sexual predators are very common, and with the access to the right personal information these individuals can take advantage of the openness of users.
Once children are made aware of the potential dangers relative to social networking, children gain knowledge and abilities to fabricate personal information to create "healthy adolescent development." With this newly acquired knowledge children can learn how to deal with people and different interactions. These interactions would teach children what certain comments or gestures attract certain attention and behaviors.
Personal information displayed on sites pose as a potential threat against education because of its attraction towards users. All users love to stay updated on the new activities or new post on their web page. Social networking sites do give students internet or computer experience, but the argument is that if encourages students to grow up faster than intended through education. Networking is no longer the interest for student users. It’s “popularity,” popularity increases the amount of distraction. The more people one person communicated with the less time for other activities i.e. education and school work. Students become so concerned about how many friends they may have, or posting new pictures, even receiving messages; they potentially spend less time concentrating on school work. When less attention is applied to school work the quality of the work can potentially downgrade as well. Students arrive to school so focused on the new episodes on Facebook or Myspace that their focus is no longer on their instructors. Adding to the distraction from school work, different sites can act as gateways to other sites. Students may have an account with Facebook, but get an invite from a friend with a Myspace account and once the cycle is done students may have up to 5 or 6 accounts; creating a bigger divide from schoolwork. This much activity on the computer could be thought of as time wasting or internet addiction.
Listed here is an example Quiz to see if a Myspace user is addicted.
Check all that apply to you or that you agree with.
You have a Myspace profile.
You visit Myspace at least once a week.
You visit Myspace at least once a day.
You always visit Myspace at least a view times a day.
You have more than one Myspace profile.
You've successfully found an ex on Myspace.
You've successfully found a new boyfriend or girlfriend on Myspace.
You've broken up with someone by changing your status.
You've been hurt when someone took you off their "top 8" list.
You've left a mean comment for someone you don't like on Myspace (anonymously counts!)
If you need to tell your friend something, you rather leave them a comment than call them.
You have at least 25 friends on Myspace.
You have at least 50 friends on Myspace.
You've gotten at least two "real life" friends to join Mypace.
You know more people on Myspace than you do in "real life."
You post blogs on Myspace.
You post bulletins on Myspace.
You've posted at least five pictures to Myspace.
You post quizzes on Myspace.
You fill out surveys and put them on Myspace.
You've gotten in trouble with a friend or family member for something you've done on Myspace.
You judge your "blogs" by how many comments they get.
You've taken it personally when people you know haven't added you as a friend.
You use Myspace as your number one source of finding new music.
You refer to your friends by their Myspace names instead of their real names.
Observing a different angle on how social networking sites impact schooling is the personal information displayed on web pages. Based on information found on web pages students may be in violation of school policy or the code of conduct. School administrators may not monitor sites but if information is brought to their attention they do have the right to investigate and act accordingly. Based on information found on the sites students have been suspended from school and even rejected for internships. Inappropriate display of personal information can be seen as a reflection on personal character and based off of information seen employers may reject a student’s application with their company because pictures may be viewed as compromising or unsuitable.
Other Topics in Technology and Education
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