This is the first time this semester that I've had 50/50 feelings on a given topic. For the most part with just about everything, I'm either for it, or against it. This topic however, strikes me both ways. I see where all the hype is about integrating Facebook into the classroom, but at the same time I can't help but question.. do the risks outweigh the benefits? I can't help but wonder if integrating Facebook into a special education classroom will only add more steps onto homework and other instruction outside of class. There are so many questions that fill my brain when I think about student/teacher collaboration through the use of Facebook. What happens to the students who don't have internet access at home? What happens if they don't have the support at home to assist in their use of the internet? Does that child get left out of instruction? Do they access it at school? Can they access it at school? I can't help but wonder all the limitations and problems that can arise from the use of Facebook (and other social media networks) in the classroom. On top of all these factors, why is that schools internet access denies the use of Facebook and other social media networks? Is this suppose to mean that these websites are not recommended for school use? If so, shouldn't we follow this recommendation? After all, a good portion of the internet is either filled with two things: garbage or sites telling you that the information you see is garbage.
In a more light-hearted sense of things, Facebook and other social media networking sites could do wonders in collaboration and lesson making for teachers. It's been said time and time again, teaching is a collaborative effort. The sharing of ideas and philosophies are what makes a good teacher. Using sites like Facebook, twitter, tumblr, etc. can easily allow teachers to access the ideas of other teachers, whether they're across the state or across the globe. Thats the nice thing about the internet and social media, it connects us on a global level.
Personally, I believe that the students (especially those with disabilities) should be taught in the simplest of ways. A teachers job is to teach in the classroom, and provide their students with enrichment and tools that they can use outside of the classroom. A teachers involvement in the students social media aspect of life is more of a personal preference, and I don't believe it should be enforced. There are many factors of the internet that parents may censor from students, especially at the elementary level. Although classroom instruction, games, or homework through the use of Facebook is completely harmless, there are a lot of things within these websites that are not harmless.
I am also 50/50 with his topic. I can see how Facebook would be useful, but I can think of so many other ways to use the internet and technology that is both safer and more productive than Facebook. There are hundreds of websites and software programs that would be just as beneficial for the students and would cut down or completely eliminate any risk.
ReplyDeleteI really like your point about how this could help with teaching being collaboration. It's true that teaching is a collaborative effort and I didn't even really think about the fact that Facebook and other social media sites could connect teachers - at least not in this context. But that is 100% true, teachers can share stories and ideas and assist each other with their lessons via these social networking site. That's a really excellent and important point.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting how you looked at FB from a teacher's perspective and how you could use it to improve your lesson planning ideas. I think Pinterest has been used a lot for that purpose and may be an even better platform for that. Do you use it?
ReplyDeleteAs far as your thoughts on being "on the fence" for using FB with your students, I can appreciate it. I don't know if I'd think of it as 'extra steps' for homework however. If that is the case, then we might want to re-think how the assignment is structured or how we are using it, precisely. I think it should be considered a tool to enhance and perhaps replace other "steps" that might help with access, expression, or even motivation.
Professor Budin, I do use Pinterest! I'll have to check out the lesson plans and teacher ideas!
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