Though not particularly fond of social networking sites; primarily because I am private and do NOT have TIME, I do feel they can be of value to library media programs.
My first experience using a social networking site was Linked In whereby professionals share where they were schooled, what they are currently doing professionally, and other relevant professional networking tidbits. I believe I signed into the site about 2 years ago and never looked back; just not my thing.
The second social networking site I have participated in was my high school's. This forum gave me the opportunity to catch up on classmates from eons ago as well as share just enough about me to let others know I was alive. The only thing about this one is each time a classmate discovers you are on the site, you receive an email alerting you they have commented. The great thing about this is I know I am loved. The bad thing is you are constantly signing in to respond because you are happy to hear from them and quite frankly, do not want to be rude. Again, it becomes an issue of time.
Okay, enough about me. Relative to library media programs, I can see added benefit so long as they are monitored sites used expressly for library media program promotion. For example, students from one school, school district, or country could share their thoughts on reading selections with other students of the same grouping. In fact, I specifically remember a project completed earlier in my matriculation through this program that called for social networking amongst students in two different countries to discuss Accelerated Reader selections.
I envision the social networking setup as a class facilitated by either the teacher, media specialist, or both. This model would allow students to not only benefit from reading, but also engage in friendships around the globe while learning about other cultures. I would absolutely love to sponsor a partnership between my current students and students in South Africa or some other locale miles and miles away.
Net/net, social networking can be a very viable option to library media program promotion while fostering relationships amongst students, teachers, and staff from cultures around the globe.
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3 comments:
Jami, thanks for you insights to social networking. I also like my privacy and don't like to spend time chatting with my keyboard. I'd rather speak to my friends in person- hear their voices. On the other hand, a media center needs to be very careful- in my opinion- about social networking sites. I guess I'm worrying to much about safety issues. I do like the idea of connecting to other countries. Students really could benefit from seeing what it is like from somewhere else in the world. Maybe teachers and media specialists, and technology specialists could figure out a plan that works for everyone- so we can communicate socially on a global basis.
Dorina
Although you do not have time for social networking I see that you have given them a whirl and liked the communication that was taking place. Imagine how this could energize classes and media programs in need for new ways to engage students. I agree that if the social networking site will be used it has to be monitored constantly and rules must be in place. If students break rules or post things that are not allowed they would have to be punished, lose points on the assignment or some other type of consequence.
I like your idea about students posting their reaction to a story. Students from one part of the country or world could share their thought and feeling about the same book. Tremendous idea! The difficult part would be locating the students. Although I guess we could find them online!
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