ICT's

This article is about using information and communication technologies (ICTs). ICT’s require both hardware and application software that lets users communicate information to each other. S... See More

This article is about using information and communication technologies (ICTs). ICT’s require both hardware and application software that lets users communicate information to each other. School don’t want to utilize big programs already out there such as Facebook. Teachers can use this kind of platform to create what might be called a virtual learning platform. This article provides an example using safe sites such as Edmodo, eChalk, Blackboard, and Schoology. These programs strongly engage students. Further reading of this article provides implementing strategies for help facilitate this process.

Implementing Technology and Social Networking

I appreciate the authors beginning the article right off with a clear definition of a social networking site as, “Web system that allows a group of people to connect and communicate virtuall... See More

I appreciate the authors beginning the article right off with a clear definition of a social networking site as, “Web system that allows a group of people to connect and communicate virtually.” Our students are digital natives to the point that most of their day is spent interacting and communicating with technology. In many schools, we “forbid” the use of cell phones, tablets, or other mobile devices. Social networking sites specifically mentioned in the article include Facebook, eChalk, Blackboard, Schoology, Google Drive, Edmodo, and SkyDrive. A huge benefit to utilizing the social networks is the collaboration factor. The ability for students to begin work with their peers at school and continue that same collaboration at home provides a huge advantage to those availing themselves of the technology resources. I recently began using Schoology with my middle school students. The ability to upload videos, photos, podcasts, projects or even class notes into the links tab, I eliminated the need to send home work for students that were absent for whatever reason. It also gave students that needed the extra chance to catch up on work, forgot it at school, or had incomplete notes from class, the opportunity to be successful. Schoology is one of the best tools for differentiation available to me as a teacher. The best part is I can view student work, make comments in the side comment bar and provide the students with immediate feedback. I am finding I am leaving more quality feedback to students because I have the ability to type it into a screen instead of handwriting it on a piece of paper that a student may or may not lose. The article stresses the importance of digital citizenry and offers suggestions on how to integrate this crucial component with the learning tasks. The trick to effective implementation is to incorporate the technology one piece at a time and then build from there.