The journal article “Social Networking in Undergraduate Education” by Nicole A. Buzzetto-More focused on the increase of use with social networking sites for teaching and learning. Services such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are being utilized to supplement traditional classroom environments, as they provide opportunities for an enriched curriculum. This study found that social networking services “have been shown to foster social learning while engaging students in a complex array of communicative and creative endeavors including new literacy practices” (Buzzetto-More, 2012, p.87). Through this course, students developed positive perceptions and considered using Facebook as a valuable instructional tool in their education. Participants concluded that Facebook helped strengthen relationships, build learning communities, and kept students engaged. Trends in education continue to increase towards a computer and technology based curriculum.
I could relate to this study as a result of the format and structure of this masters program, and this course in particular. My experience with discussion forums, blogs, and networking has been extremely rewarding and meaningful. The available resources allow me to successfully interact with my classmates in a personal manner. Since many of us share the same goals and attitudes, we can support and learn from one another. Reading and commenting on my peer’s PWP’s will be beneficial to my professional development as well. As a current educator, I believe that Facebook and other social networking sites have many advantages for quality learning if used appropriately. In this study, “60% of students responded that Facebook can make classes more interesting” (Buzzetto-More, 2012, p. 77). From personal experience, I know that most students are basically addicted to social media. It allows them to stay up to date on current events, along with staying connected easier. I believe that teachers should embrace social media and allow for academic purposes with technology within their classes. This supports opportunities for social learning, student centered learning, and relevant and authentic instruction. If educators are concerned Facebook is a distraction, Learning Management Systems (LMN’s) such as Blackboard can be utilized as a more effective academic source. Overall, social networking sites facilitate student learning through collaboration and building students’ communication and technology skills.
Buzzetto-More, N. A. (2012). Social networking in undergraduate education. Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management, 7, 63-90. Retrieved from http://www.ijikm.org/Volume7/IJIKMv7p063-090Buzzetto611.pdf
I could relate to this study as a result of the format and structure of this masters program, and this course in particular. My experience with discussion forums, blogs, and networking has been extremely rewarding and meaningful. The available resources allow me to successfully interact with my classmates in a personal manner. Since many of us share the same goals and attitudes, we can support and learn from one another. Reading and commenting on my peer’s PWP’s will be beneficial to my professional development as well. As a current educator, I believe that Facebook and other social networking sites have many advantages for quality learning if used appropriately. In this study, “60% of students responded that Facebook can make classes more interesting” (Buzzetto-More, 2012, p. 77). From personal experience, I know that most students are basically addicted to social media. It allows them to stay up to date on current events, along with staying connected easier. I believe that teachers should embrace social media and allow for academic purposes with technology within their classes. This supports opportunities for social learning, student centered learning, and relevant and authentic instruction. If educators are concerned Facebook is a distraction, Learning Management Systems (LMN’s) such as Blackboard can be utilized as a more effective academic source. Overall, social networking sites facilitate student learning through collaboration and building students’ communication and technology skills.
Buzzetto-More, N. A. (2012). Social networking in undergraduate education. Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management, 7, 63-90. Retrieved from http://www.ijikm.org/Volume7/IJIKMv7p063-090Buzzetto611.pdf