Ferdig, R. E. (2007). Editorial: Examining Social Software in Teacher Education. Journal.
MySpace, Facebook, Flickr, Weblogger, and Wikis, just a few examples of "Social Software" and social networking presented in and throughout this article. The example at the beginning of this article which finds a professor looking up a students facebook account, caught my attention. I have heard of this happening before and think it is both a wonderful idea and a bit intrusive. I believe that the way in which one presents ones self says a lot about them. If an individual sees fit to broadcast their social life on one of these "social networking" sites, they should stand by that representation and bear the brunt (if it need be born) for the way they choose to display themselves. Good, bad, or indifferent, each individual on those sites makes a decision about how they will portray themselves on "their" site. If a professor or parent or potential employer chooses to enter that world, they will only be privy to the kind of character displayed on those pages. Whether it is to the advantage or disadvantage of the site owner is another issue.
I agree with the second part of the article, in that "social software presents itself as a unique opportunity for study". At first I could not see how equipping a classroom with computers to engage them was not contradictory in and of itself. The article even mentions that it is hard to stay focused on a task at hand with a computer present. Later on it mentions the advantage of teacher (professor) student interaction via email, in these instances I believe social software has its advantages. I know for myself that because of email, I have had more "interaction" with my professors, verses trying to get a hold of them via telephone or office hours. I also see great success in the availability of taking courses online due to the advanced social networking in universities.
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After reading your post, I had an interesting discussion with my graduating seniors about Facebook and MySpace. As they leave high school and head to college, they were very surprised to find out the professors would/could look up information about them. We discussed the appropriateness of information they were posting and how that was used to make decision about their character. Some could see the importance of posting appropriate information; others thought it was an invasion of privacy and that instructors or potential employers had no right to use the information to judge them. One student also made the point that the information is not only what they add, but what others send to them. They felt it was unfair to be judged on that as well. A couple of these students are going to college to major in education. We discussed what that would want the parents of future students to see. It was a very good discussion and good to get their perspective. Either way, I believe that most were headed to their accounts to “amend” the information available.
I agree that social networking is a good opportunity to get in contact with professors and classmates. Online education will continue to thrive with these technological advances.
Great response to the article. I really agree with what you said regarding a potential boss, current professor, etc. looking up someone on a social networking site being intrusive. Granted, there are those that post "way to much" on their pages, it still does not allow people to judge them solely on those what is seen there.
Great response to the article. I really agree with what you said regarding a potential boss, current professor, etc. looking up someone on a social networking site being intrusive. Granted, there are those that post "way to much" on their pages, it still does not allow people to judge them solely on those what is seen there.
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