Journal #8 - Tapping the Wealth of Social Networks for Professional Development - NETS 5

As a member of ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), I read Learning and Leading With Technology, an online journal published bimonthly that contains articles about the effective use of existing and emerging digital tools. I evaluated, reflected, and wrote Journal Reflections on this current research and professional practice on a regular basis. Teachers and researchers write articles in the journal sharing what is effective for educators using technology in the classroom in support of student learning. I summarized and evaluated the articles as well as posed and answered two questions relating to each article.

Greenhow, C. (2009). Tapping the wealth of social networks for professional development . Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(8), Retrieved May 3, 2010 from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/JuneJulyNo8/L_L_June_July_2009.htm

This article discusses the power of social networks like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. The author is an educational researcher and references her own work three times. She also reference some other studies that have been done on information and communication technologies. Millions of users can quickly exchange information in real-time. Besides, the pure social aspect, there are benefits like getting news instantly. I recall how images of the devastation from the earthquake in Haiti were shared on social networks and then broadcast on TV news programs. New York Times writer David Pogue reported on his use of Twitter and said that "no other communication channel can match its capacity for real-time, person-to-person broadcasting." The digital age is changing how students, teachers, and others get informed and inform other people. Many people use these networks like MySpace to share pictures, videos, artwork, or other creative work. They can receive feedback right away.
Research has shown that these communication technologies can have an impact on our economy. We can collaborate to share our collective intelligence, share our opinions with a wide audience, and help shape our democracy. Two trends that have emerged is the use of social bookmarking sites and the use of social networking tools. Delicious is a bookmarking site whereby teachers can annotate, recommend, and share scholarly resources. It is a very effective and efficient way to expand your base of resources. Classroom 2.0, Ning, Twitter, and Facebook can offer teachers emotional support for the creative sharing and well as during transitional times in their career. Problems can be solved and questions answered by the use of social networking to enable students to gain quick access to knowledge through their teacher's involvement in the above communication technologies.

Question: How can you trust the source for accurate information when Web 2.0 sites like Wikis are open, interactive sites that can be edited and digital manipulation of images can alter the truth?
I believe that you must verify the sources, like a reporter would before publishing an article. Rumors and spectacular images (like the one with the great white shark breaching to snatch a man from a helicopter) circulate online like wildfire. Alarming posts can cause a panic online at times. Eventually, these rumors are rooted out, but not before doing damage.

Question: How might I encourage social networking among students in order to foster collective intelligence that encompasses the traits of digital citizenship?
The article discusses the positive impact of peer validation and appreciation for those students sharing creatively online. However, not all comments are positive. I will teach students how to be good citizens by displaying safe, ethical, legal, and responsible behavior. I will also warn them that they may encounter cyber-bullies and encourage them to report this behavior.