Social Networks
What are social networks?
Social networks are Internet tools that grant people the ability to communicate and collaborate with each other. There are a vast number of social networking platforms the most popular being Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkeIn, and MySpace. These social networking platforms allow their members to share ideas, photos, and information on a daily basis. In other words, social networking is extremely interactive and encourages the sharing of information. One can build communities within these social network sites based on common interests and concerns. For instance, a group of educators can use Twitter or another social networking tool to share ideas among themselves regarding a specific area in education with the sole objective of enhancing the educational experience for students. Clearly, whatever social network is used can result in the acquiring of a wealth of knowledge!
Safety Issues:
Social Networking is a great way to obtain new information and follow individuals with a similar interest to you. However, there are a few steps one must take before safely engaging in social networking. Just like there are a great number of social network outlets there are many ways in which the safety of the user can be jeopardized. It is important to remember to not post too much personal information in any social network because anyone can obtain access to it. Regarding this matter, it is important to understand that the majority of social networks have privacy setting. Therefore, users of social networks should keep private all of their information, only exposing their information to family and friends. An additional piece of information that is vital to keep in mind is that users of social networks should be careful with the posts (messages written on a forum) that they publish. Posts should not be offensive or written with the purpose of hurting another individuals because it could be considered CYBERBULLYING (topic discussed in detail on this webpage). Lastly, as stated previously all information published in any social network can be retrieved by anyone. This means that future employers can obtain access to photos or posts published by network users.
Tips for Students:
1) Do not post personal information on social networks such as telephone number, social security, home address, or school name, etc.
2) Remember that once you post information online, you can’t take it back!
3) If you feel threatened by someone online, tell an adult you trust and report it to the police and social networking site.
2) Remember that once you post information online, you can’t take it back!
3) If you feel threatened by someone online, tell an adult you trust and report it to the police and social networking site.
Tips for Educators:
1) Be extremely careful to keep your professional and personal social networks separated.
2) Do not be afraid to use social networks to obtain new educational tools and improve as an educator.
3) Do not post messages criticizing coworkers, students, staff, and administrators.
2) Do not be afraid to use social networks to obtain new educational tools and improve as an educator.
3) Do not post messages criticizing coworkers, students, staff, and administrators.
Tips for Parents:
1) Speak with you child about the dangers of exposing too much personal information on social networks.
2) Know and monitor the social networks that you child uses on a regular basis.
3) Read sites’ privacy policies, FAQs, and parent sections to better understand its features and privacy controls.
2) Know and monitor the social networks that you child uses on a regular basis.
3) Read sites’ privacy policies, FAQs, and parent sections to better understand its features and privacy controls.
Resource Links:
What is Social Networking, and Why Should You Care?
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3813971/What-is-Social-Networking-and-Why-Should-You-Care.htm
Ten Tips for Teachers for Staying Smart on Social Networking Websites
http://aaeteachers.org/index.php/blog/195-ten-tips-for-teachers-for-staying-smart-on-social-networking-websites
Precautions to Take When Practicing Online Social Networking
http://www.surfnetkids.com/go/safety/433/precautions-to-take-when-practicing-online-social-networking/
Social Networking Sites: A Parent’s Guide
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/tech/tec13.shtm
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3813971/What-is-Social-Networking-and-Why-Should-You-Care.htm
Ten Tips for Teachers for Staying Smart on Social Networking Websites
http://aaeteachers.org/index.php/blog/195-ten-tips-for-teachers-for-staying-smart-on-social-networking-websites
Precautions to Take When Practicing Online Social Networking
http://www.surfnetkids.com/go/safety/433/precautions-to-take-when-practicing-online-social-networking/
Social Networking Sites: A Parent’s Guide
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/tech/tec13.shtm