Journal 7: Beyond social networking: Building toward Learning Communities

Citation: Reynard, Ruth (15 July, 2009). Beyond social networking: building toward learning communities. Retrieved July 31, 2009, from:
http://the journal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.asp

Summary
This article shows the recent increase in the use of social networking sites among the various age groups especially among young people. Nowadays, the positive effects of social networking tools in teaching and learning processes are obvious. The more technology is integrated into these processese, the more students will be able to learn in future. Social networking with some other web 2.0 tools are defined as good examples of collaborative tools that can build students’ technology skills in an interesting and fun learning environment in which students cannot only learn from each other but can also create an effective relationship among themselves. Therefore, teachers must use such tools to help students build a learning community in which the skills of discussion can be increased through in-class or online discussion groups,. Thus, collaboration can be developed through ideas or information sharing.

Will students solely be able to construct collaborative learning skills with the use of web 2.0? Absolutely they will not. Teachers are important parts of the learning process in which they can push students beyond social interaction to the kind of learning communities that are dynamic, very rich, and much more likely to enhance the learning of all students.

Are there any challenges with new technology tools in schools? Yes, there are. There are some challenges such as orientation and lack of student confidence in their use as well as an increase challenge to” present” ideas and information publicly.