Facebook is not the only social-networking site, but probably gets more mainstream press than any other web 2.0 tool on our list. And, as we all know, not all the press is positive. However, social networks are one of the main ways that young adults communicate with each other and are increasingly becoming integral to organizations and businesses as well.
It is worth noting that these networks incorporate many of the tools we're learning about. One stop shopping is part of their appeal--one user name, one password, all the info in one spot.Another part of the appeal is the need to “belong to a group” that is a milestone of adolescent development. Young people create their own groups, “friend” people, and more, often without the watchful eye of parent or other authority figure. This is one reasons many teenagers like Facebook. It began as a college-focused social network. When it opened up to all comers, many users were not happy. The exclusivity for young adults seemed lost.
Of course, the lack of the watchful eye is, to some parents, teachers, and librarians, the reason social networks are suspect and can be prone to abuse. Many parents and organizations opt for blocking access to these sites. Others look to education on Internet safety, privacy, appropriate use of technology, and other issues as a way to allow use of these networks that are so important to teens and young adults.
So, what does it all mean to educators? Whether or not you become a convert to Facebook, it is important to understand how it works. If our young users are communicating through these networks, we need to be able to be there, too.
Here is a simple explanation of why social networks may be useful for those of us beyond our teenage years. Click on the title below to see this episode of the Common Craft Show.
Social Networking in Plain English
GCFLearnFree.org has created a Facebook overview called Facebook 101. If you click on the picture below, you will be taken to this interactive tutorial.
GCFLearnFree.org® creates and provides quality, innovative online learning opportunities to anyone who wants to improve the technology, literacy and math skills needed to be successful in both work and life. By delivering over 750 different lessons to millions of people in over 200 countries and territories ABSOLUTELY FREE, GCFLearnFree.org is a worldwide leader in online education.
