Web 2.0 Review Kayla Triplett CI 350 Harold Blanco

Web 2.0 Review- Facebook

Although the use of Facebook in the school system is a bit a of a controversial

issue, I fully support the use of Facebook in school, as long as educators truly ensure

that they are keeping the profile and conversations completely professional and

school-related. Facebook is a great Web 2.0 application because, it is free, it

promotes collaboration, and allows real time communication. Using Facebook is

simple and, as mentioned previously, completely free of charges.

In the case of a teacher who wants to create a Facebook for their class, they

can start by creating an account, separate from a personal one (if they have one

already). A teacher can create a page specifically for their class. For example, “Miss

Triplett’s 1st grade Class” could be the page name. Once the page has been created,

Miss Triplett can send a newsletter home to parents informing them that the page

exists and encouraging them to become friends with the page. Having parents friend

or “like” the page will promote parental involvement with their child even if they

have a time consuming job because Miss Triplett can post updates and images of the

students’ progress and outstanding work in class. In the case of upper grade level

students, both the parents and students can “like” the page where the teacher can

post class updates or assignments and parents can also stay involved with what is

going on in their children’s education, which is a vital element in success.

The Web 2.0 application, Facebook, also promotes collaboration between

people by connecting them with others at any time who are involved in the same

class. A teacher can post a video, link, or image on the class Facebook that will

initiate a class discussion where students can feed off each other’s comments to

build their own opinions or arguments about the topic. This engages a student in

thinking critically but also a discussion with their classmates that can be held

outside the walls of their classroom.

The possibility of real time communication is also a huge plus. Not every

parent can schedule a parent-teacher conference or leave their job at the same time

as a teacher has planning in order to discuss something about their child. People are

very busy and the messing aspect of Facebook is a perfect solution. For example, if a

parent has a question about their child’s grade or behavior, they can send the

teacher a private message through the class Facebook. The teacher will then receive

a notification and respond to the question as soon as possible. Facebook provides an

opportunity to break down some of the communication barriers with parents. Not

only can it enhance communication with parents, it also enhances student

communication. If a student is working on their homework and discovers they have

a quick question, they can send a message to their teacher who will answer as soon

as possible.

As for the dangers involved with Facebook in school, I believe everything is

avoidable. Teachers who create class Facebook’s must be willing to commit time to

keeping up with it, and doing everything in their power to keep it 100%

professional. Set strict rules and share them with students and parents. For

example, a teacher could say that after 7:30, P.M. they will not answer any messages

on the Facebook until the next morning to ensure there aren’t any questionable late-

night conversations taking place. Students are using Facebook outside the class for

pleasure, why not take advantage of the opportunities Facebook provides. Because

students are so familiar with Facebook already, it will foster an interest in a new

learning perspective they are not used to experiencing.