Journal 4: Its time to trust teachers with internet (NETS-T I, III, V)

Journal 4: Its Time to Trust Teachers with Internet

Schaffhauser, D. (2010, December 01). Its time to trust teachers with internet. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/12/01/its-time-to-trust-teachers-with-the-internet-a-conversation-with-meg-ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en

The author of this article gives very interesting ideas. Where most schools and even in colleges blocks out social networking websites such as facebook, youtube, twitter, etc. Where most teachers would find no use to these social networking websites, D. Schaffhauser differs. When schools are more restrictive, teachers tend to sway away from technology and not learn new technology that has changed our generation on teaching. No matter how much the schools filter out social networking, students are still somehow able to get around the loop hole and still use these sites. Teachers should be able to somehow use their creative minds and use these wonderful social networking websites to their teaching advantage.

Question 1: How would you, as a teacher use social networking websites to incorporate it in your teachings? 

As a teacher I would try and collaborate with other teachers and school to see how we can incorporate social networking in our teachings. I believe that if every teacher gives their ideas, we will be able to figure out a strategy in order to minimize the use for personal purposes and maximize educational purposes. For my idea, I would try to incorporate social networking websites such as blogger.com and twitter where students will get homework assignments and projects to make a positive educational experience.

Question 2: Why do you think social networking websites are blocked in most schools?

I believe social networking websites are blocked in most schools because students use these site for their personal enjoyment rather than educational purpose. Teachers and schools would only see the negative aspect of social networking websites rather than collaborating together and figuring out how they can make social networking a positive aspect. Many students stay at the library or on computers and the first thing they will check is their facebook pages or twitter pages to see who has responded to their blog or page.