Journal #2

In the article, “Social Networking for the K-12 Set,” Jim Klein tells the positive attributes to having a social networking website which promotes interactive learning and dialogue between students, parents, and teachers. The article tells that social online networking is helpful in four ways: it is an easy way to promote the use of technology, it promotes communication between teacher and student through technological means, it allows for discussion through workgroups, and creates an effective learning environment. “It is possible to create a safe and comfortable, relevant environment for students, teachers, and staff to create, collaborate, and grow in.”

With the continual California budget crisis, will this be a cost effective way to promote learning?
Yes. Online social networking is completely free. To start up a system would only require initiative and drive. The benefits from a communicative learning system completely outweigh any difficulties having to train people to learn how to use an online networking system.

Will there be negative problems with a system that allows people from home to view online social networking? Controls can be added that only allow people who have joined the group to go on and read the network. Also, all comments written can be viewed by a presiding teacher or administrator who could make sure that comments being made were related to education and not personal social life.