Based on the assigned readings, as well as my perusal of classmates’ blog postings, I’m still not totally convinced that the benefits of social networking outweigh the dangers of incorporating such networks into school media centers. Honestly, I have been hesitant to open up and to communicate via any social networks. My fear is that when you make too much of your personal information available, you open yourself up for trouble. Brain S. Mathew’s article “Online Social Networking” featured in Library 2.0 and Beyond highlights “The Dark Side of the Web” which points out the dangers social networking may pose. Such concerns include possible interaction with online predators, identity theft and stalking, spyware and viruses, and cyber-bullying, to name a few. At this point, these outweigh the advantages for me. Young people, who rarely hesitate to share their personal information, may quickly place themselves in harm’s way. Even with close monitoring from teachers and media specialists, it is not possible to supervise all Internet exchanges. Also, I feel all of the recommended suggestions for the use of social networks mentioned in the article—posting pictures, uploading maps and directions, appealing to younger audiences, featuring tutorials etc.—can be done through a library’s website.
On the other hand, I do believe resources like Librarything would be beneficial in encouraging students to read and to communicate with other readers. Ideally we want to create a virtual environment that celebrates the media center and all that it represents. I wonder if there is a way to block social networks whose design is purely that of social communication void of any scholarly exchange. One point that really stood out to me from Mathew’s article and made me question my original opinion is “Rather than blocking access to these websites, librarians should embrace an advocacy role and provide information about online safety. Librarians can also educate parents about the social web, discussing both the value and concerns, and seek to clarify any misunderstandings perpetuated by the media” (2007). The use of social networks closely connects with our recent class debate regarding Internet filtering in today’s schools. I truthfully see both sides of the argument, and really do not know what the “right” answer is. I will continue to further educate myself regarding the possibilities for social networks and will attempt to keep an open mind on the subject.
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4 comments:
Erin,
I totally agree with you about the dangers of incorporating social networking in the school setting. I personally have Myspace and Facebook accounts, but try to closely guard my personal information. The thing about social networking, especially with high school students, is that most of them already have social networking pages. Perhaps if media specialists lead the way, and help educate students on "safe" social networking, we can help combat cyber bullying and other problems connected to the technology.
I understand your concern Erin, but have to agree with Hollie on this issue. I recently saw an article from ESNSchool News that some states are beginning to lean towards having computer/cyber safety taught in the school. It would seem to be a logical conclusion then that the media or technology specialist in the school would have to be prepared to teach these skills.
Students can tell if you understand what you are talking about fairly quickly, and understanding how to use the technology is the key to presenting it.
Todd
Erin, I think a lot like you. I am hesitant too, to put myself and my information out there. My husband uses all kinds of these places, but I haven't really gotten into any of it. I agree with Todd and Hollie that teaching safe use is a good idea because we know that our middle and high school students are useing these sites whether at school or at home, so teaching them safety seems to be vital.
I also feel that I am not certain that the benefits outweigh the risk. I have monitored my children and their friends accounts for a couple of years now. I have seen the benefit of communication but I have also seen how the social networking tends to use an abundance of slang and incorrect grammar. I think that even as adults we have to watch our communication skills because they tend to become sloppy while using social networking.
Hopefully, as technology continues to advance a more uplifting and educationally useful social networking program could provide tremendous benefit in the school setting.
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