MySpace

http://teachweb2.wikispaces.com/Twitter http://teachweb2.wikispaces.com/facebook
 * UPDATE: **
 * Myspace is no longer the most common social networking site for students, please see: **

> ** http://www.principalspartnership.com/feature1008.pdf **
 * Resources **
 * This is an article about the benefits of using social networking sites, like MySpace with students:
 * Social networking tools to use in the classroom:
 * http://www.buddyproject.org/resources/technology/myspace.asp **

-Great way for students to ask questions outside of the classroom; students who would otherwise be too shy or uncomfortable to ask questions in the classroom setting.  -Great communication tool for parents (regarding students’ progress, announcements, conference nights, etc.)  -Free  -Allows for increase in literacy and communication skills via blogs and posted forums -Ownership of own learning -Allows students to create personal networks (friends) that they wouldn’t normally interact with in class  -Allows parents to verify what students are learning in the classroom and follow up  -Multiple ways/modes ot communicate
 *  Strengths **
 * Allows students to become part of social networking.
 * Gives them the ability to communicate with people from different locations, which teaches students about geography.
 * Students get the opportunity to learn about different cultures and societies (through pictures, text, and audio).

· advertisements can deter students attention away
 * Weaknesses**
 * Non-academic groups formed on MySpace and postings may deter students away from academic and educational purposes
 * Prone to spam emails
 * Need to set up proper method of accepting new members as a designated moderator if it is not the teacher/instructor
 * Like a forum, not everyone may be on at the same time- so it is not a good way to communicate if timely responses are needed.

-Have an opportunity to better relate to students by captivating their attention and strengthen the lines of communication -Increase in literacy skills -Cross curricular activities and projects -Communicate across different grade and subject levels -Create something new -Venue to practice more writing -Incorporate teachers or older students that can help struggling teachers -Go back and review if students missed work or were absent
 * Opportunities **

· <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Privacy issues regarding teachers and other adult individuals <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> -Cyberbullying via posts made on facebook pages <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Problems with hackers accessing users' accounts (Messages can be sent to other users from your account written by hackers)
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Threats **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ideas for the Classroom **
 * Students can use your page to access homework information, or to create conversation topics about a book you are reading in class, or to discuss assignments that are interesting or difficult to them
 * You can post information pertaining to homework, such as “Don’t forget that your thematic essay is due on Friday,” or clarify project directions, like “your book report should include three symbolic images, along with explanations”.
 * Students can also message you to ask questions about homework and due dates through the email functions on both pages.
 * Students can collaborate with others on projects via Myspace.