Review the widget you selected. Are you getting comfortable with embedding code? Do you belong to other online communities? Are relationships formed online as meaningful as face-to-face relationships? Why do you think MySpace and other social networking sites are so popular with kids today?
I am fairly comfortable with adding widgets and code and all sorts of interesting fun stuff! I particularly like the Shelfari widget (saw it on another person's blog) since it conveys information about what I'm reading which could spark discussion with others about books. I also added a Voki image which was a bit complicated but fun. I could see that it might offer a somewhat more "personal" note to those visiting a blog or web site.
I do belong to other online communities ... and yes, I think that relationships formed there whether working or personal can be very meaningful, productive, and enriching. I have friends who I ONLY "see" through online communities so I'm glad that the option is available.
MySpace and other networking sites allow students to constantly be in touch and experience their "community" everywhere. I don't know if it's a new phenomenon .... or maybe just the newest rendition of the youth sub-culture that has always existed. Previously kids used phones to talk and network for as long as they may now be in social networks. There were also maybe more in person gatherings in the past - community, school, church, or family events where young people could congregate. Many times social networking simply expands or builds from the groups that kids already belong to such as school, church, team, or other organizations. That's not to say that all of the interaction is "innocent" ... but then, realistically, we all know that interaction between young adults is, and always has been, infused with irreverent, defiant, experimental, and sometimes risky behavior. The new element is that adults everywhere can so easily see that interaction ... because it's all posted online!
1 comment:
I totally agree that young people have found new and very effective ways to communicate and connect. Your post, however, reminded me of the importance of helping our kids understand that once something is posted, it's THERE. I hear conversations about student's "new permanent record" - their online postings - that potential employers and college admissions officers are reading. We need to help students understand the responsibilities that come with this new tools.
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