Is Social Networking a Fad?

Used clickers to poll audience and 12 think it's a fad - 54 do not.

Watching YouTube video to show that Social Network is not a passing fad.

Social Media Revolution

How many social networkers are in the room? 59 yes; 8 no (wonder why those 4 think it's a passing fad? Interesting...)

Now showing information about the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (Ken Kay came and presented at their school...)

Don't we want our students involved in social learning? Why not use the tools that are already out there?

It's difficult to teach using something tha tthe kids may know more about than you.

Kids tend to learn better from each other mor ethan teachers might like to admit.

Birdville ISD has really embraced facebook and say it's the best communication tool they have found - parents will look at this more than anything you'd send home.

TWITTER

jgrizzle (science) - a Science teacher who uses Twitter to engage his students in their learning.

"Twitter is full of conversation and full of content".

Presenter asked how many districts use UStream in their district...not a single hand was raised. :( Birdville ISD uses it to post their morning announcements and have found that the parents have reacted very well to this and the school has better, more effective communication with their students as a result.

How are they able to "get away" with using all of these things? Do parents really allow their students to od this? Parents and students sign an acceptable use policy and if they do anything that goes against that policy, they loose the priviledge and miss out on some really fun opportunities.

"Students are living in a digital society and if schools don't catch up, we're going to lose the race." Dr. Steve Waddell, Superintendent Birdville ISD.