As someone who joined Facebook against her will a couple of years ago, I really could relate to those who suggest it's just one more medium for consuming our time and attention; compelling us to "stay connected." And while I admit to being sucked in by the need to check in daily (it was nice to see what everyone was up to...especially friends who live far away), the novelty has long since worn off for me. But I'm not sure, as I reflect, that my waning interest is about Facebook per se, but more about my intrinsic desire to be away from the computer screen itself. Richardson got me thinking about Facebook (and now Ning) in a very different way. I had only considered the "friendship-based" component, as he describes it and never was aware of the interest-based possibilities with these sites. Richardson illustrates the benefits of those interest-based connections when he states, "The power of ten working interactively will invariably outstrip the power of one looking to beat out the other nine." The difference between learning the content of their classes and learning how to engage about the content is compelling.
I got home earlier tonight from parent/teacher conferences at my son's high school. Facebook came up as part of the natural direction the conversation headed in when he remarked, "I hate Facebook. I don't think there's a need for it at all." (Young teacher, btw). Last week I might have agreed with him, (and a couple years ago I would have said that texting was completely unnecessary, but I now see and live the benefit of texting). My mind is more open to the many possibilities including wikis and blogs that potentially strengthen the learning experience.
I don't see myself using Facebook or Ning with students but I do value the potential!
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