Resource Log #13 (Sources #73-78)

#73 “Trend Analysis: Social Networking in K-12 Classroom” – This article discusses a trend analysis that was conducted by a graduate level Educational/Instructional Technology class. This group of grad students investigated the use of social networking sites in two different schools—an elementary school and a middle school.

Rodriguez, C., Manzanares, K., Ronzio, J., & Zimber, C. (n.d.). Trend analysis: Social networking in K-12 classroom. IT 6750: Current Trends and Issues in Instructional Technology. Retrieved from http://web.mac.com/crodrigo/IT6750_Trends/Social_Networking.html

#74 “How To: Use Social Networking Technology for Learning” - This article discusses social networking sites and analyzes how and why they should be used in the educational setting. The author of this article insists that the social nature of social networking sites prepare students to live and work in the global society in which we live today.

Smith, F. (2007, April). How to: Use social networking technology for learning. Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/how-use-social-networking-technology

#75 “Social Networks In Education” – This Wiki provides a list of links to educational social networking sites. This a good list of examples of how social networking sites can and are being used in today’s educational world.

Social networks in education. (2009). Retrieved April 10, 2009, from the WikiSpaces Wiki: http://socialnetworksined.wikispaces.com/

#76 “Social-Networking Sites for Schools Promote Safety, Education Benefits” – This article discusses how several software companies across the US and the UK have developed social networking site software that allows teachers to design social networking sites specifically for educational purposes. These companies take extra precautions to keep students safe while using the sites. For example, at Imbee.com, a site for students age 8 to 14, parents must enter a credit card number in online in order to confirm their child’s identity before children can gain access to the site. I thought the ideas presented about improving the safety of social networking sites for students was very interesting.

Borja, R. (2006, October 11). Social-networking sites for schools promote safety, education benefits. Education Week, 26(7), 7-7. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.

#77 “Social Networking: A New Tech Tool and a New Security Concern for Teens and Schools” - This article discusses how many schools are forced to prohibit access to social networking sites because children, especially teens, have been known to revel too much personal information on the sites which poses a huge security/safety risk.

Barrett, J. (2006, May). Social networking: A new tech tool and a new security concern for teens and schools. MultiMedia & Internet@Schools, 13(3), 8-11. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.

#78 “Social Networking in Plain English” – This is a YouTube video that I happened to run across during my resource search. It was very interesting and it clearly explained social networking and the purpose of social networking sites in a quick and easy manner. If you’re unclear about social networking sites or the history behind them, then view this video and most of your basic questions should be answered. This is a great resource.

LeFever, L. (Producer). (2007, June). Social networking in plain English. The CommonCraft Show. Podcast retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc