Internet Integration Research Amanda A.

Ellis Georgia Southern University The Internet in Schools ITEC 7330 June 29, 2011

2 It is hypothesized that the use of social networking services such as Facebook will lead the younger generation of learners to more readily embrace e-learning in formal education (Baran, 2010, p.E146). Since social networking is such a rapidly growing area of technology in the classroom, I was interested in reviewing the research on social networking sites. Specifically, I wanted to look into how the Internet application, social networks are being used in instructional settings. In the article, Faceworking: exploring students education-related use of Facebook the author, Neil Selwyn describes personal networking sites and their growing popularity. Social networking sites are spaces for online conversations (Selwin, 2009, p.157). Selwin found that among university students, social networking sites such as Facebook was used for discussing educational topics; however, the majority of the chat was about general university experience (Selwin, 2009). In this study, the researcher was not directly involved with the students but merely a passive observer. In another study using Facebook done by Bahar Baran (2010), the researcher conducted research while the students were completing class entirely through Facebook. The students in Baran s (2010) study enjoyed using Facebook; however, they thought it would be better to use as a tool instead of the only way to learn and be assessed (p. E147). Nedeva and Nedev (2010) state that blogs, another social network, need to be thoughtfully integrated into curriculum (p. 168). Which in their study they concluded that blogging is an effective extension of the classroom and provides students with many teachers (Nedeva and Nedev, 2010) It is clear that the use of technology is changing in schools; therefore, it is imperative to keep up with these changes and the potential affect of new uses of technology in education. According to Drexler, Baralt and Dawson (2008), The Teach Web 2.0 Consortium was developed to support educators as they consider potential use of these tools in the classroom (p. 271). In their study they concluded that social networking sites are emerging in record numbers and have significant value to educators (Drexler, Baralt and Dawson, 2008, p.282). According to Clyde (2005), many educational weblogs that can be used as sources of information and provide professional development material for teachers (p.43). We can see how social networking sites are changing education for both teachers and students. Students are used to using social networking sites for entertainment, why not encourage learning in an entertaining, interactive format? In a study by Uzunboylu, Bicen, and Cavus (2010), they learned that after using Windows Live Spaces, students had a positive outlook about their learning. Students also felt that the use of Windows Live Spaces increased their success (Uzunboylu, Bicen, and Cavus 2010). As the use of social networking sites grow, I believe that the depth of knowledge that students own will also increase. As educators, this should shape our application of social networking in education. Social networking sites get students involved in their learning and enable them to reflect on what they have learned. Uzunboylu, Bicen, and Cavus (2010), suggest that it is important to explore how reflection can be a teaching strategy and applied in an online environment (p.720). There are various ways to apply the use of social networks into instructional settings, but according to research it must be used as one tool for teaching, not the only tool. For example, in the case study

3 where the students involved completed the requirements of a class solely through Facebook were not as satisfied with the experience (Baran, 2010). Using blogs or wikis is a way that teachers could extend what they have taught in the classroom. Posting questions or thoughts about a topic would compel students to reflect on what they have learned and become an instrument for others to learn from. After exploring various social networking sites, I am excited about the possibility of implementing these tools in my elementary classroom. A tool that I have had no previous experience with, but am really excited about is blogging. I like this tool because students do not have to have an email address to participate. Our school is not at a place in the technology world where every student is required to have an email address. Also, while exploring the different tools, I set up a blog for my classroom. This was a simple process that took about five minutes and cost nothing. I have also explored the use of wikis. It is interesting how some teachers have integrated this into their teaching. I like the idea of creating a class wiki over a web 1.0 website because of the opportunity that it gives students to participate. Facebook is an application that I have had previous experience. I could see how students would enjoy using Facebook as a learning tool and a lot of students already have a Facebook account; however, as I will discuss later in my paper there are several things that concern me with the use of Facebook and elementary students. Social networking sites have the potential to be a valuable tool in education. Information can be shared freely, which can bring together students from across the world (Uzunboylu, Bicen, and Cavus 2010). The variety of social networking sites available allows for teachers in all subject areas and grade levels to find a tool to integrate into their instructional setting. Social networking sites can be used as a communication tool among students, for student-student interaction. This can be beneficial for students to talk about class lectures, assignment, or due dates. They can also be use for student-teacher interaction. This would be a place for students to post their questions and help them understand the material being taught. Teachers could also use these sites to post questions or as an assessment tool. I like the idea of using a social networking site and integrating a part that make students a participant in their learning. I feel that if it were going to be an effective part of the class there should be some required posting. This would help reluctant learners become and important part of the class. Also, a computer can be intimidating for some learners, especially my younger students. Providing them a place to start, for example a question to answer, will help encourage students to use instructional technology. Honestly, my first reaction to using social networking sites with elementary students was a little hesitant. Immediately, I began thinking about the barriers that must be overcome. One of the first barriers that came to mind is the limited availability of technology in our school and at some of my student s homes. We have one, fully functioning, up to date computer lab at our school. This computer lab serves approximately 700 hundred students. My principal does a good job at trying to arrange a schedule that allows students to get in their about once a week for 45 minutes, but schedule conflicts usually prevent this from happening. Most of the classrooms do not have adequate technology available in them either. Another barrier of implementing

4 social networking sites into my instructional setting is my concern with security as well as parents and administrators. This why I believe it would be difficult to use an application such as Facebook. I have a Facebook account, but I refuse to friend students on Facebook and not because of what I post. There are things that show up on my wall that I cannot control; for instance, profanity that a friend may post or a picture of a group of adults at a bar. This is not something I would want popping up during a lesson on verbs. Other applications such as a wiki or blog would still have some security and exposure threats; however, I feel that this would be a safer environment for elementary students to participate. Barriers that could hinder the implementation of social networking sites exist; however, it is important to find ways to overcome these barriers in order to provide students with a 21st century learning experience. The use of social networking sites is clearly increasing in everyday life. It seems that it is only a matter of time before we see these Internet application used as a part of the classroom everyday life. Studies have shown that these applications are of high interest to students and their accessibility continues to grow. I know that using a social networking site would excite my students and increase their class participation. I am excited about implementing my new class blog in the up and coming school year.

5 References Baran, B. (2010). Facebook as a formal instructional environment. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(6), E146-E149. doi:10.1111/j.14678535.2010.01115. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete

Clyde, L. A. (2005). Educational blogging. Teacher Librarian, 32(3), 43-45. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Drexler, W., Baralt, A., & Dawson, K. (2008). The Teach Web 2.0 Consortium: a tool to promote educational social networking and Web 2.0 use among educators. Educational Media International, 45(4), 271-283. doi:10.1080/09523980802571499

Selwyn, N. (2009). Faceworking: exploring students' education-related use of Facebook. Learning, Media & Technology, 34(2), 157-174. doi:10.1080/17439880902923622

Uzunboylu, H., Bicen, H., Cavus, N. (2010). The efficient virtual learning environment: A case study of web 2.0 tools and windows live spaces. Computers and Education.