Networked Classrooms Endless Possibilities

Social networking is changing the landscape of education. The role networking plays is increasing at a rapid pace. Networked classrooms are paving the way to fit the needs of diverse learners. Chapter 3 of the book Professional Learning Networks states that a networked classroom is transparent, collaborative, learning centered, accessible, community based, supportive of inquiry-based learning, and driven by authentic assessment.

This website highlights some of the pros and cons of social networking (http://campustechnology.com/articles/2012/01/19/pros-and-cons-of-social-media-in-the-classroom.aspx). For me, I think the biggest positive of social networking is education is that it gives every student a chance to collaborate and participate. Not every student gets a chance to participate in class. With social networking, every student is giving the opportunity to contribute and voice their opinions that might otherwise go unheard.

While some of the negatives of social networking include it being a distraction and cyberbullying, I think the biggest negative is that it takes away the face-to-face interaction. As a student, I do better in a traditional classroom setting. I have an extremely hard time in an online class losing the face-to-face interaction. Additionally, as a teacher, I really enjoy being able to have conversations with my students and seeing the expressions on their faces and hearing the tone of their voices.

Social networking can be utilized in the classroom in a variety of ways. I currently do not use a whole lot of social networking in my classroom, but I am looking at more ways that I can incorporate it. I have used a classroom management system called Schoology. Students can view and submit assignments, have class discussions, and take quizzes on it. Students can also view all of this from their home or anywhere else they have an internet connection. This transformed my classroom into a more blended classroom as opposed to a traditional classroom.

I would also like to start having my students display their work through the use of social networking. So many students are already on Twitter or have a YouTube account. I think this would be a good way for students to get a more authentic audience. This website gives some other ways teachers are utilizing social networking in the classroom (http://dailygenius.com/social-education/).

Diverse learners can greatly benefit from social networking. Students will all be able to voice their opinions and use the tools that best fit their individual needs. These students will be allowed some flexibility and be able to work at their own pace. Social networking will let students choose the program that is in their best interest and what they are comfortable with.

As I read on this website, (http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/blogs/edutopia-finley-tips-help-all-learners-succeed.pdf), the aspect of social networking I like the most for diverse learners is that it allows them to create their own network. So many of these students struggle socially and have a hard time interacting with their peers. Social networking puts these students on level playing ground and allows them to establish their own personal network.

The possibilities are endless with a networked classroom!