Integrating Social Networking Tools in the Foreign Language Classroom by Jennifer Adams
Contents
Contact Information
- Email Address: jladams2@uiuc.edu
- Country: United States
"Social Networking in Plain English"
Technology and Language Learning
- Online Learning Edges Classrooms - InformationWeek
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- Recipe for Homesickness - Manila Bulletin
- Sussex library offers new way to lear... - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- CorrectMyText.com Brings Schliemann's... - Emediawire (press release)
- Students Improve Writing, Reading Ski... - PR Web (press release)
- New High School Accountability System... - Examiner.com
- Online Language Learning Specialists ... - Emediawire (press release)
- From Kindles to iPods, technology can... - Packet Online
- 2009 STAR Test Scores Show Increase I... - Berkeley Daily Planet
Last updated on 09 February 2010, 9:09 PM
Welcome!
This project has been created for EPSY 590: Networks for Learning through the CTER program at University of Illinois. The purpose of this page is to educate foreign language teachers about social networking and to inform them of social networking tools that can support a foreign language curriculum. I hope this page helps you generate ideas for employing some of these social networking tools in your classes.
An Introduction to Social Networking
According to WhatIs.com’s website, social networking is “...the practice of expanding the number of one's business and/or social contacts by making connections through individuals."
As humans we are social beings by nature. We have been involved in social networking since the beginning of time. Imagine the people in your network: family, friends, co-workers, hired employees, acquaintances, etc. Now imagine this scenario: You are in need of a contractor to remodel your kitchen. You let your network know that you are looking for a contractor. Someone in your network knows someone in their network that is a contractor and specializes in remodeling kitchens. This person gives you information to contact the contractor. You let the contractor know that you got his number from so and so and before you know it this person is cutting you a deal because you two know someone in common.
Had it not been for social networking, you would not likely encounter this particular contractor. And if maybe you live in a small town and by chance did meet the contractor, you wouldn’t likely get the deal because you weren’t recommended by a person that you both know in common.
Social networking has been a benefit that we’ve all taken advantage of. It’s important for businesses (consider the contractor who maybe was laid off at the time), friendships, even education. How many times are teachers looking for guest speakers on a given topic? How do these teachers find the guest speakers? It’s likely they’ve asked their colleagues, students, parents of students, family members, etc.
Due to some negative media coverage, many people are hesitant to learn about and use on-line social networking tools. Educators may especially be hesitant as they are responsible for many childrens' safety. It is unfortunate because on-line social networking tools allow our network to grow beyond anything we have ever encountered in the past. There are plenty of social networking tools that are not only appropriate for academic use, but also have the potential to really enhance a curriculum.
As humans we are social beings by nature. We have been involved in social networking since the beginning of time. Imagine the people in your network: family, friends, co-workers, hired employees, acquaintances, etc. Now imagine this scenario: You are in need of a contractor to remodel your kitchen. You let your network know that you are looking for a contractor. Someone in your network knows someone in their network that is a contractor and specializes in remodeling kitchens. This person gives you information to contact the contractor. You let the contractor know that you got his number from so and so and before you know it this person is cutting you a deal because you two know someone in common.
Had it not been for social networking, you would not likely encounter this particular contractor. And if maybe you live in a small town and by chance did meet the contractor, you wouldn’t likely get the deal because you weren’t recommended by a person that you both know in common.
Social networking has been a benefit that we’ve all taken advantage of. It’s important for businesses (consider the contractor who maybe was laid off at the time), friendships, even education. How many times are teachers looking for guest speakers on a given topic? How do these teachers find the guest speakers? It’s likely they’ve asked their colleagues, students, parents of students, family members, etc.
Due to some negative media coverage, many people are hesitant to learn about and use on-line social networking tools. Educators may especially be hesitant as they are responsible for many childrens' safety. It is unfortunate because on-line social networking tools allow our network to grow beyond anything we have ever encountered in the past. There are plenty of social networking tools that are not only appropriate for academic use, but also have the potential to really enhance a curriculum.
Available under Creative Commons License by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajfranklin/212175488/sizes/m/" target="_new">AJ Franklin</a>
Already Use Technology?
Do you recall the days when "technology" meant using the overhead projector, the CD player, the TV/VCR, and being able to make a Power Point presentation? For the purpose of this page technology refers to the use of on-line technology tools to support the curriculum of a foreign language course. In particular, the focus is on social networking tools.
"Why We Need To Teach Technology in School"
Restricted Access
Many school districts restrict staff and students' Internet access in an attempt to "protect" all involved. This is problematic because it prevents teachers from effectively using the technology that is available to teach this group of technologically-advanced students. It also reinforces the disparities between students that have access to technology at home and those that do not.
Survey
Since technology is an ever-changing entity I fully expect this page will need some updating. If you have ideas that you feel should be included on this page, please don't hesitate to leave feedback regarding the content and organization of this site here. Your feedback is valuable!
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