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ESL_Languages - Social Networking

Page history last edited by side0119@... 13 years, 11 months ago

Social Networking Sites & Teaching Foreign Language

By Teagan Papke and Stacey Sidebottom

 

 

 

What Are Social Networking Sites? What Do They Do?

 

Watch this video to gain an understanding of what Social Networking Sites are and how they work!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc

 

 

In other words, Social Networking Sites (SNSs) are online communities that can be based on themes, common interests, shared professions and traits, and several other features.  For example, Facebook is an example of an SNS that was initially created for only college students (people attending college could connect on the basis of that shared commonality).  This is just one example, however, as the scope of SNSs has become broad and a wide array of various networks exist.  A list of Social Networking Websites and a brief description of their purpose/basis can be found at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites

 

Here, one can see sites ranging from focus in music, to focus in motherhood, to books, to running, to travel, to ethnicity, to video games, to religion, and much more.  These subjects of interest serve as the basis on which the Social Networking Sites are created, and users can form connections around the world centered on their particular focus of choice.

 

Hmmm...After viewing the video and reviewing the large variety of Social Networking Sites, you can see the immense potential power that SNSs hold for connecting people and their ideas, thoughts, knowledge, and resources.  SO…How do we harness this power and make SNSs valuable in an educational setting?

 

 

Example Lessons (for ESL/Foreign Language)

 

Although many Social Networking Sites serve a sociable, leisure purpose based in hobbies and fun pass-times, they also open doors to uses in the classroom through focus on academic subjects.  We can utilize the potential for education that Social Networking Sites hold by realizing the ways in which these sites easily connect the entire world.  With a click of a button, students can communicate directly with other students in Japan, Europe, Australia, Costa Rica....you name it, they can connect to it.  This is a particularly remarkable tool for ESL students and foreign language learners.  A large piece of learning another language is learning about the culture that pertains to that language.  Through SNSs, students can not only practice using language in real-life scenarios (an essential part of learning a language fluently), but they can also build a network with peers and learn about the lives of fellow students in various cultures.  Below you can find exceptional examples of lesson plans that achieve this concept through incorporating Social Networking Sites into foreign language education.

 

 

These are just some examples of ways to incorporate Social Networking Sites into teaching ESL students and foreign languages.  Social Netwroking sites are also useful for teachers themselves, as many teacher SNSs offer a way for teachers to share ideas, lessons, and activities.  Some SNSs are even focused specifically for ESL/foreign language teachers.

 

What Advantages Do Social Networking Sites Offer in the Classroom?

 

  • Social networking sites force students to practice the kinds of 21st century skills that want them to be successful at today.

  • Most of these websites are available in all languages.

  • As educators, we can relate to our students and become familiar with their interests through social networking.

  • There are many career benefits involved with social networking that many students are unaware of.

  • Social networking allows students to gain knowledge about other cultures without ever leaving the classroom.

  • Social networking creates possibility for guided social interaction. (http://www.greatschools.org/LD/managing/social-networking-sites.gs?content=991)

  • With social networking a teacher can create private social/learning spaces. 

Resources for Teachers/Further References

 

To gain a more thorough understanding of the definition of a Social Networking Site, the history behind the creation of this type of website, and more ways in which SNS can be utilized, please visit:



There are many Social Networking sites that are strictly for educational purposes, for more information please visit:

 

Safety is a top concern among many Social Networking critics, as it should be. Please visit this website for more information on Social Networking Safety.

 

 

 

 

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