Journal 7

Reynard, R (2009).Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. The Journal

This particular article discusses the advantages to web 2.0 tools. Social networking sites in particular are discussed and held in high regard by the author not only as means of collaboration but also as a way to build a sense of community and almost away students can learn how to socialize. It is important for students to learn to work as a group and social networking not only allow for feedback from other students but also from instructors and that is a huge plus.

How can you incorporate web 2.0 tools, to include social networking sites in classroom for students K -2?
It is important to teach children how to access and utilize these tools, particularly social networking site for classroom purposes earlier, in order to train them to use them responsibly. Many age appropriate projects can be done using social networking tools with the help and guidance of parents and teachers. Students as young in K-2nd grades can learn to display art work on classroom sites as a sort of virtual open house. Another great idea would be to create a pen pal system with students from other classrooms using social networking sites as the means of communication.

What considerations have to take place to ensure safety on such social networking tools used in the context of the classroom?
It is important to monitor all student of the web not only in the classroom but by parents at home. It is also important to teach students to act in an appropriate manner when online in order to prevent online bullying. If students are taught safety and civility early on where social networking sites are concerned the tools will become a very valuable tool for students.