Chapter 9 Social Networks

     In chapter 9 of our textbook, Richardson describes using social networks like Facebook and Ning.  I think for me to appreciate the real value of these types of web sites I need to use them for my own personal use.  Then I might be able to find ways to effectively use them in my class room to enhance instruction.

     I looked at the Ning classroom social web page  Sean Nash's Marine Biology Ning Page to get ideas about how other teachers have used social networking in the classroom to enhance instruction.  The page was a powerful way to make the classroom into a unique community where all the students have an identity and can participate in discussion and in adding information, ideas and photos.  In many ways this is a similar use as a classroom wiki but it differs in that it is more usable for computer "socializing".  I like it, but at this point I feel adding a classroom wiki is more than enough for me to handle so maybe the social web site is for the future after I am successful with the wiki.