Social networking sites.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Facebook. Twitter. Friendster. Myspace.These four social networking sites. I believe it is not surprise that nowadays, not only teens, but also adults, has such accounts. Personally, i have a facebook, twitter and friendster with facebook being my favorite for obvious reasons. It is most dynamic, with games, fan pages and while being able to keep up with your friends. This is unlike twitter which is more one dynamic with a great emphasis placed on the following of idols and friends. This makes it more purposely and less of just leisure surfing. Friendster too is one of the old, used a decade ago. It is also more dull, and its database is alot smaller too.
Such networking websites definitely has its pros and cons.
Positively, unlike the usual adult stereotype, social networking websites has it good points. It allows for interaction, whether its to catch up with friends in other schools, organize events or for teacher's to post up homework, to serve as reminders. Social networking allows for exploration. It also serves as a easily accesible platform for discussion and also entertainment.
However, it serves as a distraction too. Personally, it has already became instinctive for me to check my website every now and then. Self admittedly, in an hour, i would check around 3-5 times, summing up to around 15 minutes, while doing work.
I believe that this could potentially be a useful educational tool that needs to be explored by teachers. Adults, other than viewing it as a form of entertainment, should do away with the stereotype that "Social networking + Students = Bad results"
Personally, there are several instances whereby i use the social networking websites to my advantage, messaging my friends regarding projects, as the use of email was way too troublesome. Such integration of email and chat are another reason why social networking sites are so useful.