Journal #8 “Tapping wealth of Social Networks for professional development” NETS-T# 2,3,4,5

Christie Greenhow, Initials. (2009). Tapping the wealth of social networks for professional development. Leading and Learning, 36(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/JuneJulyNo8/L_L_June_July_2009.htm

Social Networks would be a major time waster, unless you know how to use then correctly. In order to really get the most out of social networks, you must fully understand how to use them and be proficient in "technology lingo". By doing this, you will open the doors to new opportunities in your professional development. I agree with the article when it says that through online social networks we can publicize our opinions, and become more critical, self-reflective and collectively intelligent. By keeping up with your peers, loved ones and co-workers, you learn from them and keep in touch with them. It also enlarges your support system. They are also available 24/7, which is much better then trying to email or call someone for help. By posting something on a social network, not only one person can see it, but all who view the site... so they may know the answer before the person who you asked it to does. It is much more efficient way of communication., and it gets done in half the time. It also makes research a lot faster and easier with social bookmarking sites like delicious. Others can see sites you viewed the most, so they know that many of the research they need could be found on those sites too. All of the tools I talked about above are not only great for businesses and professional development, but also for education. For instance social book marking could help students doing research, social networks could help a student if they forgot an assignment or had a question about one. There potential of uses for these online tools is unimaginable.

What is a social networking tool?
A social networking tool such as facebook, or classroom 2.0 allow readers the ability to communicate and share information on a variety of topics. This conversation is in a "virtual world" which means that post and comments can be uploaded to collaberate with other individuals with similar interest. The collection of thoughts and ideas are teaching benifits because a simulation between lesson plans can be shared. Social networking is a resource for both teachers and students to effectivly communicate about assignments and thoughts on activities completed.

What grade level is social networking appropriate for?
The ability to communicate with peers and bounce ideas off of is an important aspect in learning, and should be incorporated with every grade level. The modern era has introduced tools to do so, so why not take advantage of it. Thought the students need to be able to develop ideas and write/ answer questions accordingly. I personally would recommend using this as a digital in a grade level that understood the importance of internt safety as well as confirming the students can compose their own thoughts through the use of a keyboard.