Journal 8 - NETS-T 3,4,5

Join ISTE, read a journal article from Learning & Leading with Technology, reflect upon the article, and use proper APA citation using Citation Machine

Greenhow, C. (2010). Tapping the wealth of social networks for professional development. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/JuneJulyNo8/36810g.pdf

Tapping the Wealth of Social Networks for Professional Development

Greenhow’s article begins with the uses that the big businesses have for social networks such as Twitter. They have realized that timely information can be passed along more rapidly than ever before beating out email. This happens so efficiently because often micro blogs are expected concise and informal. People are able to be more collaborative with colleagues, self-reflective, able to critique others’ opinions, thereby shaping a more democratic culture. In education, much of the same characteristics apply. Teachers this is a valuable tool because the profession is generally done behind closed doors with little valid feedback. Social networking can sharpen their skills with a larger, less threatening pool in which to voice ideas and methods, and getting peer feedback not to mention new fresh ideas to try out.

How else does social networking help teachers?

Teaches can receive recognition for good ideas or lessons which they may have put in long hours of preparation time and can share with the online community. This helps them with job satisfaction and might lead to receiving time off to work on projects for their classes or for attending conferences. Again, it is a way of honing their skills and instincts.

How can students benefit from social networking?

Studies have shown that among urban teenagers with literacy problems, social networking can serve as a social learning resource and hosts new literacy practices. Students can also post their creative work on line (videos, photography, creative writing, music) and receive feedback from teachers and other students. Peer validation was important to many of these teens which was provided through kudos, comments, tags, and friend requests of admirers of the work.