Meredith Hughes

SLM 521

Social Networking

 

 

Objective: Students will investigate various social networking sites (SNSs) available.

 

Objective: Students will be able to include SNSs in their classrooms

 

Introduction:  The Internet has truly revolutionized the way our world works.  The current generation of students has grown up in a digital world, where information is available to them with a quick click of a mouse.  Social Networking Sites and Social Messaging Sites are just one-way students access the Internet.  These sites allow students to create their own profile based on their likes and dislikes.  They can upload pictures and videos, talk to friends, and play games and find old friends.  There are dangers to these sites, in the form of who can see the information and cyber bullying.

    However, students are not the only ones using these sites.  Many popular stores, bands and shows have their own pages on these sites where students can become fane, explore, and get updates.  This is only the beginning.  More and more organizations are quickly catching onto the SNS craze.

    In this activity you will explore some of the SNSs.  From your exploration and some of the information below you will create criteria for a great SNS.  Then you will choose the top three SNSs, based on this criteria.  Lastly, you will create a lesson plan using a SNS as a tool or a lesson about SNSs in general.

 

Activity: First, read some of the article and watch the video below to learn a little about what a SNS is and the history of SNSs.

 

    Social networking in Plain English: This is a short video that introduces SNSs and explains the basic idea behind them.  

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc

 

    Social Networking Sites: A Parents Guide: This site discusses SNSs and some of the dangers involved if not used properly.

    http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/social-networking-sites.aspx

 

    Social Networking Sites: Definition, History and Scholarship:  This is part of research study.  It discusses the history, evolution

    and reach of SNSs. http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol13/issue1/boyd.ellison.html

 

Now, take a look at a few of the SNSs that are out there.  Create a profile and spend some time looking at all that these sites have to offer.  Keep your profile for a few days so you can fully understand how these sites work and maybe reconnect with some old friends!

   

    My Space : http://www.myspace.com/

 

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/

 

    Twitter: http://twitter.com/

 

    Bebo: http://www.bebo.com/

 

    HI5: http://hi5.com/

   

    Yahoo 360: http://my.yahoo.com/

 

    PerfSpot: http://www.perfspot.com/

 

    Friendster: http://www.friendster.com/

 

Assignment:  Part One: Choose Your Top Three

Create a list of your top three SNSs.  Be sure to include the criteria you used to judge the sites and the reasons why you chose these sites.  There should also be an annotated bibliography entry for each one. This should include:

á      Name of the Site

á      Two to three lines describing the sites

á      The date you visited

á      The URL of the Site

 

Part Two: Design A Lesson Plan

Pick one of your top three sites and design a lesson plan using that site.  Your lesson can focus on the SNS itself (ex. how to use an SNS or SNS safety) or make use it as a tool within the lesson (ex. create a group).  Your lesson plan should include:

á      Subject Area

á      Learning Objectives

á      A list of all Material needed, including the name of the SNS

á      Procedures

á      Closure

á      Rubric/Evaluation

 

Submission: Post your activities as an html file to your FTP folder, create a link to the file on your index page, and send your instructor an email notification containing a working hyperlink to the assignment (not to your index page) and the assignment file's URL. Make sure the subject line of your email is in the following format: SLM521-lastname-Assignment Title.

 

Rubric:

 

Unacceptable

Developing

Accomplished

Top Three SNS List

No selection criteria provided and no research into the sites evident.  No reason to explain why the site is the best.

Selection criteria provided but maybe unclear.  Some explanation for why the site was chosen but is short and lacks detail.

Detailed selection criteria are provided.  Top choices meet that criteria. 

Top Three SNS Annotation

Little or no explanation of the site.  No date visited or url provided.

Some explanation of the site.  Maybe missing pieces of the annotation.

In depth explanation for the sites that were chosen,  including profile, features and security.  Includes any faults the site has and who the sites are targeting.

SNS Lesson Plan

Lesson plan does not feature the SNS.  Lesson plan is incomplete and does not include the criteria listed above.

Lesson plan makes use of the SNS but is unoriginal.  Lesson plan includes criteria but is lacking detail or is missing two of the criteria for the lesson plan listed above.

Lesson plan is interesting and accurately targets the age group specified.  Lesson plan offers a new approach to SNSs.  Lesson Plan includes all or more of the criteria listed above.

 

 

ISTE Standards: This course activity addresses the following ISTE standards:

 

1.   Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experience that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

   

d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face

        and virtual environments

 

2.   Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS-S.

 

a.    design and adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

 

3.   Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.

 

a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations