Social Networking in Schools - Response to ETLO Course Question

Reflect on the current policies in place regarding social networking in your school or district.
In Tennessee, the districts formulate their own policies regarding things like social networking, cell phone use, etc. Having said that, I understand that many (more than not) still block the better known social networking sites....I also know that most kids use a proxy server and go there anyway! So, I believe that we are WAY behind in our policy formulation as to how to address this issue!

How has this workshop shaped your opinions about the potential of these tools to facilitate learning and collaboration?
I believe that if given FREE tools with which to work.....some parameters for proper use....most students and teachers use them correctly. I think the collective wisdom captured in collaboration is what learning and education should look like. We all learn best in an environment in which we feel most comfortable. Often, students feel less threatened academically in a "virtual" room because they can ask questions....post ideas....revise....and move on when they are comfortable with the information.


What are the challenges you face regarding incorporating these tools and allowing teachers and students to network virtually?
First I believe the reason why most districts block these types of environments is ignorance. Meaning, they really don't understand what all students/teachers could be doing on there. It's a lack of understanding....they fear reprisal if something goes wrong - when, we should be educating students and teachers the correct way to behave in these particular environments.

Secondly, I believe that once we show the "blockers" all of the wonderful educational opportunities that can be accomplished....i think the pushback will ease up....we have to convince them first that it is safe....and their network is NOT going to melt if we have a wiki.

The students and teachers will do the rest! They want it! They do it at home....on their phone....and sneak around it and do it at school already.


Describe how you plan to address these challenges in the coming school year.
We will continue to have more and more sessions on these topics at our annual statewide technology conference. Also, we are formulating a fairly good network on Twitter....I will be pushing out examples of great things on there to help get the word out.