Social Media in the Classroom

by prorabaugh

By Traquila Young

In this digital world, opportunities for education are available like never before. Though teachers using online tools are empowering students take part in their education, they may also expose them to inappropriate material, sexual predators, and bullying and harassment by peers.http://courses.wcupa.edu/fletcher/english121/projects/10b/jessy.htmhttp://awaitingtenure.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/classroom-technology-as-an-expensive-distraction/

Teachers who are not careful with their use of the sites can fall into inappropriate relationships with students or publicize photos and information they believed were kept private. For these reasons, critics are calling for regulation and for removing social networking from classrooms — despite the positive affects they have on students and the essential tools they provide for education in today’s digital climate.http://nyteachers.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/technology-in-the-classroom-too-much-of-a-good-thing-by-bonnie-thone-boylan/http://iwebuniversity.com/articles/negative-effects-of-using-technology-in-todays-classroom/

The positive effects of social networking sites in education are profound. According to a study on student use of social media, students who are already engaging in social networking could benefit from incorporating it into curriculum. Christine Greenhow, who was the principal investigator in a study, elaborated on the impact social networking could have on education.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128092341.htm