I've been reading the Facebook & friending students question with
interest. The question of friending a student can be answered
another way. Simply ask some questions.
What is the curricular goal for friending students on Facebook?
What is the problem that will be solved by friending students on Facebook?
If you come up with any possible positive outcomes to these two
questions ask, if there another tool that can do the same job as
effectively or safer?
Of course, even this sequence is wrong. The use of ANY technology
must be driven by curriculum. Technology should be used to achieve
educational goals in ways that make it more effective than
non-technical methods. The question of whether or not to friend
students should never even be considered unless it is in the context
of some curricular issue.
That being said, there are many curricular situations that can be
effectively addressed through the friending of students on social
networks that are school sponsored or are specifically designed meet
curricular objectives and are closed to all but those involved in the
curricular project, and the network is administered by the teacher.
The network has to have a purpose, planning, and leadership. It
could be as complex as setting up a colonial social networking
simulation where students assume the roles of patriots, loyalist,
founding fathers, and British opposition. Or it could be something
as simple as setting up a homework help network.
Aside from the legal and safety concerns, using a social network in
any curricular project requires a LOT of planning and
supervision. It's not something undertaken lightly or with the
attitude of "build it and they will come".
It all starts with a curricular question!
Art
Art Wolinsky
OEO 3DWriting.com
Technology Director - Online Internet Institute
Educational Technology Director - WiredSafety.org
awolinsky@3dwriting.com
(609) 698-8223 (Home Office)
(609) 618-4433 (Cell)
I am perfectly capable of learning from my mistakes.
I will surely learn a great deal today.
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