Social Networking

I was hesitant to get involved in social networking online initially. My friends and students I met at MSU thought I was crazy because I didn't have a Facebook account. I remember going to a party and met some girls who wanted my name so she could add me on Facebook but was disappointed when I told her I didn't have it. Her response was "how are you a student and not have Facebook?"

I eventually did get a Facebook after meeting some individuals from England on a trip to San Francisco and I wanted to stay in touch with them. I soon became involved in social networking joining several sites and trying to connect with individuals similar to myself. I think a part of me was being stubborn for so long as to not join one just to be different haha. Now I can see the merit in using social networking sites. It is a convenient way to communicate with individuals, plan collaborative events and share information. I do think that some people spend too much time on facebook and other social networking sites, but that is going to happen regardless of what people are doing with their time.

I think younger and younger students are becoming involved in social networking sites. It's wierd when I see older individuals join them too. I see my friends parents and grandparents joining Facebook and think how silly, but now it is not just for young college students but for people of all ages.

Blogs vs. Websites

Blogs can be a useful tool in education and are different than the traditional web pages in several aspects. In blogs, guests can read the updated blogs and post comments and communicate with the author of the blog. It allows for sharing of information in an flexible, interactive way. Other guests may comment and discuss with the author of the blog as well as other individuals who make comments. On a traditional web page the information sharing is more of a one-way street. Information is presented by the website author for guests to view, but the guests cannot share their ideas and give their input.