Global Learning Constructs: C

C. Use Social Networking Technology to appropriately communicate, interact, and collaborate with others in a global learning environment.

Social networking technology has a tremendous part to play in assisting students in becoming competent global digital citizens. Social networking technology encourages communication, interaction, and collaboration with others in a global learning environment; the classroom is an excellent place to incorporate those elements into instruction. Young adults and even kids are constantly using social networking in their daily lives outside of the classroom; therefore, it only makes sense to incorporate something so engaging and meaningful to those students into their everyday learning at school. It is becoming a norm for kids to be use social networking. They are using cell phones with interactive apps to communicate with others, and using social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter on a regular basis. For teachers, using social networking in the classroom must become a reality. In fact, “The most effective pedagogical approach using new technology is social constructivism, as it builds on social interaction and engagement, which is at the heart of Web 2.0 technology” (Reynard, Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities,2009). Educators can plan for social networking in the classroom by creating a Delicious account and bookmarking sites that students will need to use. This is an easy way to store, organize, and share links with the students. The links can even be accessed from home for students to use on their personal computers. Teachers can integrate social networking technology into the classroom by using Web 2. Tools such as:
• Wallwisher.com
• Blogger.com
• Edmodo.com
• Wikis
Integrating these Web 2.0 tools for social networking technology into the classroom is an effective way to enhance student learning and create engaging, meaningful lessons that students will want to learn from. This kind of technology will craft students who will be excited to design and create and share their ideas and their achievements. Students using these kinds of social networking technology tools will be prepared to enter the real world as competent global digital citizens and will be more successful because of it.
Reynard, 2009. Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx