Module 9

Networks on the Web

Scootle is a great resource for teachers. I have learned how to use a learning path so that students can view and use an activity online using a pin. I am definitely going to use this in my classroom. There is the option of adding learning objects to a secure collaborative workspace which I will keep in mind as I build up my library of learning paths. I can use other people’s learning paths and ratings to help me find what I need more quickly.

I didn’t realise there were so many social network services. Facebook and Twitter are the ones I have heard most about. The benefit of using a service such as Facebook is that you can connect with people who share similar interests. I am still not sold on the idea, mainly because of privacy. I have spoken to friends and colleagues who use Facebook and some say they have had cause for concern when agreeing to accept or block ‘friend’ requests. When do acquaintances become friends? Will they be offended if you decide not to add them? And then there are friends of friends...If you were face to face, would you really want to talk to them? My niece ‘tags’ people all the time. I wonder whether it is a smart thing to let the public know that you are not at home? Is Facebook an identity thief’s paradise? I guess there are always issues that will arise with new technology. I am going to venture into Facebook with an open mind, but with very tight controls, keeping to my family and best friends who are users. Facebook and the like are not appropriate for classroom use but will be used by students at home. I think it is important for me, as an educator, to have an understanding of social networking as it is popular culture. The way young people socialise and communicate is continuously changing. There are issues with misuse such as cyber bullying of which educators need to be aware. We can promote values for acceptable use.   As for Twitter, I don’t have time to be updating the world on my daily doings and I don’t particularly want to know about what someone had for breakfast.

On Second Life... When Second Life came into being I remember reading about a similar offering for children. I have investigated and found reference to CBBC(2007)  and BinWeevils(2010- see My Delicious). BinWeevils promises a safe, moderated online environment for children to create an avatar, make friends, play games, and watch TV shows and cartoons. Users can also read book previews in an online library and enter special competitions. It is billed as a 3D online platform to ‘edutain’ (educate/entertain).  Are virtual worlds of educational benefit? There are certainly many who say so. Second World is not appropriate for primary children. What are the benefits/ramifications of a site like BinWeevils? I wonder if any of our students have visited this site or have encountered Second Life? I intend to explore these questions further.