Having had minimal experiences with social bookmarking this week’s learnings have been quite interesting. I am very used to my current practice of finding sites that I believe are beneficial for my research and bookmarking them for me. Learning about the easy and benefits of sharing sites has got me really thinking about the possibilities for improving instruction within my building.
This year we have implemented the use of the PBIS framework within our district. As there are numerous layers to this framework I see the use of social bookmarking as a great tool to keep our staff supplied with ideas and strategies to keep the momentum going. Recently we got our PBIS subcommittees launched and it is easy to see how social bookmarking can make their work much more productive and efficient. I also see the use of social bookmarking (i.e. Diigo) as a wonderful way to provide staff with an easily accessible location to share sites regarding information on different types of researched based interventions they can be using in their classrooms.
Regarding the social networking this too has untold possibilities for improving communication within a building, district and community. For me I am constantly trying to build upon the communication we provide our families with regards to what is happening in the school both daily and long term. Some of the social networking options learned about would have positive benefits for us as additional tools to connect with families. With more and more of our students and families securing consistent access to quality internet connections platforms like Facebook and the such are the more comfortable mode of communication. Utilizing them will be only to our advantage in the long run as it affords us the opportunity to connect with a broader range of stakeholders.
The primary concern I have with the use of these many various forms of social networking in the loss face to face time between human beings. Now granted the personal touch may not be of significant importance if I am simply pushing out information about the volleyball schedule, picture day or when the next in-service is coming. But when it comes to truly connecting with people, these platforms in my humble experience do not succeed and at times I feel worsen situations. Being in education I have had too many experiences with students who have used social networking to get revenge, start rumors and heighten anger with a foe. Unfortunately these texts, Tweets, likes and de-friends find their way back into the school environment and we are then called upon to sit the kids down and work it out.
As a novice in the area of social networking and bookmarking the video clips and creating of accounts has been a valuable experience. The benefits of social bookmarking definitely has peaked my interest and desire to share this information with colleagues as I do believe it will make our jobs easier and more efficient. I see social bookmarking as a wonderful way to provide our parents and community as well with additional information about instructional practices and programs we are employing in the school. Regarding social networking I do see the benefits of being more connected through the use of these platforms. Social networking is comfortable for people so I have to change my perspective and embrace the possibilities that can come from these tools.
As social media moves forward I think its important not to lose that face to face time. I think there needs to be a balance between both worlds. I believe it would be beneficial if in school students where taught how to use social networking to avoid some of the bad behaviors. Is anything like this taught at your school?
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