Social Networking as an Educational Tool

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Here is a short summary of the chapter 1 'Social Networking as an Educational Tool' of the book 'E-Learning and Social Networking'.


Social softwares have been started to be used by educators who want to experience innovative practices in their teaching by means of web 2.0 tools. The tools make use of 'collective intelligence' which basically means collecting data from users. Wikipedia, blogging and podcasting can be given as an example to these tools. Not only does the system let users create a content but it also enable them to share it through social networking. Social networks provide 'social interaction' between users so that they can work collaboratively, interact with others and create/share what they have done effortlessly.

Actively participating and creating things, learners as users can construct their own learning. Students feel that they are active members of their learning community and they are open to share their ideas by commenting on blogs, chatting in rooms etc. Web 2.0 is not only a source of getting knowledge but it is a place where one can interact with contents and contribute to them at the same time as it is user-generated.

Collaborative learning, instead of individualistic learning, is more preferable while learning online. To succeed in collaborative online learning, course design is an important element to consider. Web 2.0 course design facilitates collaborative activities and tools such as podcasts, blogs and wikis. 

What makes materials used for the sake of learning valuable is that they are unpredictible, interactively qualified and variable. Straight and simple learning tools such as books are not enough to draw attention because they are less interesting. Learning process will be more meaningful and significant if students are given an interactive learning experience.

Reference: Mason, R., Rennie, F., Routledge (2008). E-Learning and Social Networking Handbook

* Speaking of social networking, I'll be sharing the links of my friends' blogs below with you. Check them out! 

https://bnurkaya21.blogspot.com/

https://englishnowandlater.blogspot.com/

https://iucmaterials.blogspot.com/

https://plussinformation.blogspot.com/

https://academyeng.blogspot.com/



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