Being an old person, I remember when the internet was born. Over time I have witnessed and participated in connecting with people all over the world. Our current students have never known a world without technology. Social networking is an important component for student success. How does social networking affect the library? The answer may surprise you. I feel with all the responsibility teachers have with classroom curriculum and instruction they don't have the time to delve into social networking. As the media specialist, I have the opportunity to help students navigate through this technology world. I've noticed that elementary students are just starting to dabble in social networks. More and more social network formats are gearing to our younger students. Many online or console games are linking students to each other through games. My school is going to Google Apps next year which will also change the way they collaborate with one another. One of my favorite social media tools for students is Edmodo. Edmodo is a great format to teach students how to communicate with each other online. This year I established some new lessons instructing students on how to be responsible digital citizens. I think these lessons go well with instructing students on pros and cons of social networks.
For myself, I don't utilize social networks as often as some. Not that I don't believe in the benefit of connecting with others. As an educator, I am more cautious of my digital footprint. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy connecting and learning from others on my educational social networks, but I am not an intense user of some of the more popular social networks out there.
Thank you so much for your post. I think what you are doing as a media specialist is amazing. I am sure your elementary students love working with you and having the ability to learn how to communicate and collaborate in an appropriate and safe way. Teaching them about digital citizenship and being responsible is so important and really needs to be taught and reinforced at young ages so they can practice proper methods of social media throughout their lifetime. Like you said, this generation has never gone without technology and will never know what it is like to not have the mode of communication at their fingertips, so why not instruct them on how to use these resources appropriately. Thanks again!
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