Social+Networking

=Web 2.0 Hot Spot =

Developed by Mr. Scott Staub
Social networking is people coming together to get to know one another, share ideas and stories, stay in contact, and develop relationships. Today, more than any time in our history, social networking has no physical boundaries thanks to the Internet. AOL Instant Messenger, My Space, Facebook, and blogging sites (just to name a few) have made it possible for people to network across the globe. Our students' socializing is no longer limited to classmates and the occasional friends they meet at the Mall. Students are now forming friendships based on likes and ideas rather than physical locations. As educators, we need to understand how our students are socializing and find ways to reach them. I have found that students no longer rely on email and in fact, sending emails to students is pretty useless. As teachers, we must find ways to connect with our students, to inform our students, to teach them. Entering the world of online networking can be a minefield for teachers. At all costs, we must remain focused and professional as we engage our students using this medium. Below are some sites and articles that can guide you on your way if you choose to use online networking.
 * Social Networking **

[|Educational uses of Facebook] Social Networking for Educators--a wiki [|Education World: Schools and Online Social Networks] [|The Journal: If you Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em]**
 * [|E-Mail is for Old People]**
 * [|Online student-teacher friendships can be tricky]
 * [|Online Social Networking And Education: Study Reports On New Generations Social And Creative Interconnected Lifestyles]**

What is Social Networking?
by Commoncraft's Lee Lefever media type="youtube" key="6a_KF7TYKVc&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"

Source: [|Grunwald Associates LLC]

[|www.myspace.com]
 * MySpace **

**Facebook** [|www.facebook.com]

[|www.ning.com] Ning is a popular, usable and private social networking application. This would be a good option for classroom teachers to educationally network with students to complete projects or role playing.
 * Ning **

[|www.elgg.net] [|What is ELGG?] ELGG is a more private "My Space". [|Elgg] provides each user with their own weblog, file repository (with podcasting capabilities), an online profile and an RSS reader. Additionally, all of a user's content can be tagged with keywords - so they can connect with other users with similar interests and create their own personal learning network. However, where Elgg differs from a regular weblog or a commercial social network (such as MySpace) is the **degree of control** each user is given over who can access their content. ELGG is not a very popular application. ELGG could be used to really control an organization's social networking.
 * ELGG **