Navigating Social Networks as Learning Tools

Will Richardon's article was full of valuable information and conviction as I hope to integrate more technology based learning into my Spanish classroom. One main point of the reading was how “this is a world of learning built on the connections that individuals create with one another, the personal networks that people build with far-flung, like- minded students and teachers, and the anytime, anywhere communities of practice that from from them.”

Teachers used to be the source of all knowledge. Now a day, any person can type into a search engine and find their answer in 10 seconds or less. The concern is, however, how do students learn how to differentiate between false information or personal opinions on particular subject matters and valid and solid truth? Teachers and parents need to be intentionally engaging students and educating them how to be safe online as well as search for legitimate information. Richardson points out that “individuals can learn anytime, anywhere, as long as they have access to the Web and, in turn, to other people with who they can form groups.” For this reason it is pertinent that teachers are knowledgeable and up to date with the various types of technologies and resources online as well as a basic understanding of how to locate and add to these data bases themselves.

Lastly, Richardson points out that it’s not enough to be able to solely navigate the Web but we must become literacy in understanding networks themselves.  This is not only difficult for children but for adults as well. The world is shifting once again into a world where we not only need to be working on embracing diversity in race and gender, but also in respectfully challenging opinions.