thing 18: Social Networking

Classroom 2.0 was fantastic!  I really enjoy how the site is very professionally done.  Sometimes I feel with other social networking sites that it is just a waste of time.  I really don’t need to know that someone is sitting on a beach or bar somewhere.  I don’t need to know the dealings of everyone at every second.  Nice but how is that going to help me.  Unfortunately most of my life revolves around teaching  (at least from August to May).   My students change from year to year.  I see less and less engagement in my students.  I need something that can help to get the enthusiasm back into the classroom.  Having a network where teachers can come together and share ideas is always great.  It also establishes relationships outside of your comfort zone.  It helps to bridge the gap between teachers.   Sometimes we are stuck in our classroom and forget that there is a great big world out there and that it is becoming smaller and smaller as we are more and more able to reach out.  Classroom 2.0  is a great tool to reach out.  Already I find myself wanting to comment on a topic in the forum.  It helps giving me ideas and the ability to weigh the pros and cons before actually trying something out without having to reinvent the wheel.  I think all teacher should look at and really consider joining the Classroom 2.0.  Teachers Unite!

Many of my students love to use My Space and Facebook. Like everything there are problems from time to time of someone using it improperly.  I would love to harness that energy with setting up a network with my classes.  Ning would be great.  Ning would allow me to setup and be able to monitor who is and what someone is doing. It is also great because as they continue in their education they can still come back and help the lower grades.   This would be great as a homework help tool.  Also a way to get kids to collaborate with other kids.  Can setup extra study session times.  Students that are out of school for one reason or another can still participate in a class discussion.  I guess I just have to work on setting up a proposal to my administration.