Social Networking

A few years back when working with grade 8 students we would create many ways that students could interact with each other.  We called it building community.  In essence, is that not what happens on the internet?  We establish circles in an educational venture and  in the process we build relationships within the education community.

Many of the activities we did like taking the name of one of your classmates and write something you may admire about them.  All names were handed out and once finished the student would attach it to the friendship tree. When the students read how another admires them, it helps to build the individuals self esteem.  A similar activity could be created on the net by having the class make a collage of all the positive abilities within their classroom.

Another activity where “free hugs” can be easily collaborated on the internet, by exchanging appreciation in the form of compliments. Students that may be reluctant to express themselves in person, may find it easier to send a compliment online. Social media becomes a vehicle for expression, where students can encourage others.  Social media can also have the opposite effect, where students bully others through the social media sites.  

With the transition to the 21st century learning, our students will become very reliant on using the computer as their mode of expression and be much more digital than any other generation.  We will need to remind them of the importance in having face to face interaction, keeping in touch with their own world and the importance of having individuals in their lives that they can hug!