As all of you know, social networking sites are exploding in popularity, bringing new challenges to public schools as well as private business. I have been reading many articles and blogs recently, which not only identify the potential pitfalls of social networking, but also identify how students can use this connectivity to their advantage.
Obviously, there are a plethora of new issues that social networking brings to public schools. We now not only deal with traditional bullying issues, but must be ready to address cyber-bullying--the ramifications of which often spill over into our schools. With most every student possessing a camera phone at all times, pictures can be taken in any situation and almost immediately dispersed widely via the web. I downloaded software to my own phone, which allows me to utilize it as a webcam. I can now video my daughters playing their piano recital songs and post it on the web in a matter of seconds for grandma and grandpa to see. It is easy to see how this technological capability could be used in a nefarious manner by those with less than noble intentions. It is also easy to see how students could use their own social networking pages in a way that could hurt them in the future.
I recently read an article in the Joliet Herald News, which really brought this issue back to the forefront of my thoughts. The author was discussing how job interviews have changed over the years. No longer do potential employers want to know your subject-matter knowledge and skills, because that can be taught. Instead, the interview process now focuses on the "soft skills" that employers cannot teach (i.e. character, timeliness, dedication, work ethic, etc.). One of the ways employers are finding out about potential employees is to conduct a Google search prior to the interview. If less than flattering things come up during this search, future employment chances are null. Also, one of the most common questions being posed during interviews is to ask if you have a Facebook or Myspace account. If the answer is yes, you are then asked to pull up the page so the employer can review your social networking page. Guess what happens if you have content that calls your character into question? So what are the implications of this for public schools?
All is not lost!!! Will Richardson uses the term "Googleable". He believes that students need to be taught two things. First, students must be taught how to utilize the Web as wise consumers. Many students seem to think their social networking sites are private, but it's called the "World Wide Web" for a reason!!! There is no such thing as privacy on the web. The easy thing to do is for teachers and parents to simply deny our young people access to these sites. However, is taking such action really doing these students a service? Richardson would say no. Rather, he would argue that through authentic classroom experiences, we must begin to teach students appropriate ways to use the power of the Web.
This brings me to the the second opportunity we must begin to offer our students. Because employers are routinely conducting Google searches on potential job candidates, it is important that our students' Google searches come up with positive hits. Everyone would agree that if a Google search comes up with hits that call character into question, that would hurt the chances of employment. However, in today's world of connectivity, what does it say about a student if the Google search comes up with nothing? It could be a signal to the employer that the candidate is not in tune with Web 2.0 tools and therefore does not understand global connectivity and the demands of competing in the 21st Century. Therefore, Richardson would argue that we must begin to offer opportunities in our schools for students to become "Googleable" in a positive way.
What does all this mean for our schools? The explosion of social networking sites is causing us to revisit and update many of our District policies. However, we also must begin to consider our responsibilities to our students as a result of Web 2.0 tools. We must not only teach our students the potential pitfalls of social networking, but we also must provide them with authentic learning opportunities so they can begin to build their "Googleability" (I just made that word up!!!). Richardson would argue that in today's global economy, denying access to these opportunities is paramount to putting our students at an economic disadvantage.
As always, I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on the positive and negative impacts of social networking on our school system.
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I think social networking is a positive thing and should be addressed in school. Of course there are some negative aspects - students not thinking through to the consequences of some postings or bullying - but students should be learning responsibility and kindness and how to deal with bullies regardless of the Internet. Personally, I am amazed at how many classmates from high school and college I am now connected with through one of the social networking sites. It's a terrific way to truly network, express oneself, and learn about others' points of view.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment regarding the potential negative aspects of social networking. Instead of sheltering our young people from these sites, we must begin to teach them proper and responsible use. The best way to do that is by providing authentic learning opportunities under the guidance of teachers. Eventually, every student will be faced with the use of social networking sites either through work or personal use. Therefore, to completely shelter them from learning responsible and appropriate use could be considered doing them an educational disservice.
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