Thing #18 - Facebook

I think it is important for teachers to know how to use a network like Facebook or Myspace. So many kids are on one or both of these networks and it is a big part of their lives. Teachers could be friends with their students on these networks and see what goes on in their daily lives outside of school (not in a stalker way, of course). Kids on these networks post their emotions, their activities, etc. If a student seems to be in a bad mood one day or if their grades start to slip, maybe the teacher could explore their page to see if they have talked about any problems in their lives. I have a Facebook and I really like it. It is such a good and easy way to keep up with my friends and family. Facebook shows you what everyone updates on one page so it is easy to keep up with people. I do not like Myspace because it is mostly consumed by middle school students and they start arguments with other people (my little sister is one of these). Facebook has the most useful features because it is just so easy. If you want to talk to someone, you just go to their page and it is all in the same place for everyone. The only thing I could see for school use is if a school or classroom actually had a Facebook page. They could post homework assignments, clubs and activities, etc.