Facebook All The Way!
In the article, Can Facebook Replace Face-To-Face? Larry S. Anderson and Ellen Hildenbrand go head to head to answer the question...can Facebook replace replace face-to-face (F2F)?
Anderson:Yes, Facebook can replace F2F
Anderson effectively presents a strong argument that debunks the misconception that Facebook has no educational value. First, Facebook breaks down the superficial barrier in socializing. Unlike F2F, online communication allows students to get to know each other without the pressures of making a good first impression. Facebook creates a social space where students' appearances and differences are not at center stage, therefore encouraging them to befriend those who may not have been friend potential in the F2F world. Secondly, students are able to easily access and share educational material such as photos, videos, music, and websites. Being able to share these modern forms of educational resources makes the subject matter relevant and interesting. Unless within close proximity of the Internet or a computer, students cannot gain or share these types of resources through F2F contact. Third, Facebook status updates and wall-to-wall communicating saves students time. Straight to the point messaging through Facebook keeps the conversation focused which enables the students to stay on task. With F2F contact, students may waste time by discussing topics unrelated to the class task at hand. Also, students may be more likely to be distracted or unwilling to listen to their peers during F2F contact. Students can get their message across more effectively online. Lastly, students can keep track of their peers' communication between others outside their classroom. This will help increase their social network and hopefully professional contacts for future employment.
Hildenbrand: No, Facebook cannot replace F2F
Hildenbrand argues that Facebook can never replace face-to face contact. Unfortunately, she failed to provided enough support for her claim. The two main reasons why she believes Facebook is an ineffective technology tool for the classroom is because emotions cannot be conveyed nor perceived via Facbook and social skills can only be acquired through F2F student interactions. It is important that teachers are able to read their students' emotions from their facial expressions and body language. Often times students are not able to articulate their needs through words and teachers must be cognizant of this. Furthermore, F2F helps students build social skills which is important for classroom presentations, personal and professional relationships, and networking for future employment.
I will not go as far as to say that Facebook replaces F2F completely. Facebook will be one of many important elements of my ciriculum. Like everything else in life, everything in moderation; both Facebook and F2F will serve importance purposes in my classroom. Facebook will mainly be used as a communication medium for my students and me. They can build stronger classroom relationships and help each other with group projects and discussions. For example, I will have my students set up their Facebook account a week before the first day of school. The students will connect with each other and be acquainted with one another to decrease first day of school jitters. Also, the ease of contacting group members through Facebook regarding group projects and disussion is a major plus. So much is expected of youth today, they are in school longer, pushed to be involved in extracurriculars while maintaining academic excellence. Because students do not have time to do things the "old-fashioned" way, they need to rely on technology tool from the Internet to complete classroom related tasks.
While hildenbrand makes a good point about students building F2F social skills, I believe that building online social skills is equally important. Students must learn proper online communication etiquettes because, based on personal experience, more and more professional correspondences are done through email. Students will also need to be aware of what it is appropriate and inappropriate to publish online because many employers search the Internet to investigate their applicants. Furthermore, I do not agree with Hildenbrand's claim that teachers must be able to read their students' emotions. Instead of playing the guessing game, teachers can effectively communicate with their students through online messaging. Studens can express themselves withouth the worry of rejection or in-person negative reaction.
Anderson:Yes, Facebook can replace F2F
Anderson effectively presents a strong argument that debunks the misconception that Facebook has no educational value. First, Facebook breaks down the superficial barrier in socializing. Unlike F2F, online communication allows students to get to know each other without the pressures of making a good first impression. Facebook creates a social space where students' appearances and differences are not at center stage, therefore encouraging them to befriend those who may not have been friend potential in the F2F world. Secondly, students are able to easily access and share educational material such as photos, videos, music, and websites. Being able to share these modern forms of educational resources makes the subject matter relevant and interesting. Unless within close proximity of the Internet or a computer, students cannot gain or share these types of resources through F2F contact. Third, Facebook status updates and wall-to-wall communicating saves students time. Straight to the point messaging through Facebook keeps the conversation focused which enables the students to stay on task. With F2F contact, students may waste time by discussing topics unrelated to the class task at hand. Also, students may be more likely to be distracted or unwilling to listen to their peers during F2F contact. Students can get their message across more effectively online. Lastly, students can keep track of their peers' communication between others outside their classroom. This will help increase their social network and hopefully professional contacts for future employment.
Hildenbrand: No, Facebook cannot replace F2F
Hildenbrand argues that Facebook can never replace face-to face contact. Unfortunately, she failed to provided enough support for her claim. The two main reasons why she believes Facebook is an ineffective technology tool for the classroom is because emotions cannot be conveyed nor perceived via Facbook and social skills can only be acquired through F2F student interactions. It is important that teachers are able to read their students' emotions from their facial expressions and body language. Often times students are not able to articulate their needs through words and teachers must be cognizant of this. Furthermore, F2F helps students build social skills which is important for classroom presentations, personal and professional relationships, and networking for future employment.
I will not go as far as to say that Facebook replaces F2F completely. Facebook will be one of many important elements of my ciriculum. Like everything else in life, everything in moderation; both Facebook and F2F will serve importance purposes in my classroom. Facebook will mainly be used as a communication medium for my students and me. They can build stronger classroom relationships and help each other with group projects and discussions. For example, I will have my students set up their Facebook account a week before the first day of school. The students will connect with each other and be acquainted with one another to decrease first day of school jitters. Also, the ease of contacting group members through Facebook regarding group projects and disussion is a major plus. So much is expected of youth today, they are in school longer, pushed to be involved in extracurriculars while maintaining academic excellence. Because students do not have time to do things the "old-fashioned" way, they need to rely on technology tool from the Internet to complete classroom related tasks.
While hildenbrand makes a good point about students building F2F social skills, I believe that building online social skills is equally important. Students must learn proper online communication etiquettes because, based on personal experience, more and more professional correspondences are done through email. Students will also need to be aware of what it is appropriate and inappropriate to publish online because many employers search the Internet to investigate their applicants. Furthermore, I do not agree with Hildenbrand's claim that teachers must be able to read their students' emotions. Instead of playing the guessing game, teachers can effectively communicate with their students through online messaging. Studens can express themselves withouth the worry of rejection or in-person negative reaction.
Since I want to teach 3rd grade I don't think that I would use Facebook in my classroom. I would use more educational websites and emails than Facebook. I have to agree with Hildenbrand that Facebook cannot replace face to face interactions. I think that Facebooks does help support or enhance face to face relationships but it cannot replace it. Using facebook in the classroom would be more relevant in a high school or middle school setting.
ReplyDeleteI think Facebook can be a mixed bag as far as usefulness in the classroom. It can be great for helping kids get to know each other, but in order to make it a consistent and useful education tool, it would have to be monitored very carefully, and the students might have to set up a separate account from their personal one. However, if you're willing to put in the work, I agree with Lorena that it definitely can enhance the classroom experience. I also agree that it could be more useful in a high school or middle school setting.
ReplyDeleteI think F2F can never be replaced just the fact that I do not think we are all stuck infront of a computer. I see the benefits of having both facebook and F2F. Having facebook could be a positive thing in the classroom for older kids, I do not think much with elementary kids. But I see how it can help older students in the classroom. I also agree that it is important to learn how to communicate through emails, since most professors communicate better through emails. I agree with you that it is important to learn both and master both ways jsut to improve communication.
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