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= Use of Social Networks for Teachers and/or Students = ==

Overview of Social Networks
Social networks were created to serve as a communication tool among people that have the same interests. It has expanded to include pictures, video, games, books, blogs, links, music, or art. Some social networks are dedicated to an activity such as dating, athletics, online games, travel, faith, or hobbies.

Networks have many similarities. Users are asked to create profiles that contain important information about themselves. Many times this profile contains a picture, contact information, and personal details which can include their birthday, hometown, and employer. Another common feature is the ability to limit access to this information. Settings can allow only "friends" to view the details, not the public.

To those that are new to social networking, a video has helped people become connected. In the You Tube video, Social Networking in Plain English, the viewer is given simple, step-by-step information about getting connected.

Popular Social Networks
First started in February 2004, Facebookis a [|social network service] is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc.[|[1]][|]] Users join, create profiles, and then can invite others to join as well. Users can also share photos, groups, send and recieve messages. It allows families and friends to stay connected.

Ning Ning competes [|MySpace], and [|Facebook] other social networks that allow the other users to creat and design their onsite pages. Specific to Ning, is the ability to create a [|social network] and tailor membership bases.

MySpacecontinues to upgrade and improve their site. Recent changes were made to resemble the look and feel of Facebook. This change was encourage users to join or rejoin Myspace. Myspace alsoallows users to coordinate activity with Twitter and Facebook accounts. Myspace Movies was also helps to showcase movies and movie related media.

Acamedia.eduis another [|social networking] website and collaboration tool with a focus on [|academics] and [|researchers] from all disciplines. Started in 2008, it has become one of the largest social networking sites for academics through 2010.[|[1]]

Hi-5 has caught on with teenage crowd and offers an alternative to other social networks. Hi-5 launched this site in 2003. In Hi5 users can create personal photo albums, play online games, and set up a music player. Friend requests are sent via [|e-mail] to other users. When a person receives a friend request, he may accept or decline it, or block the user altogether. If the user accepts another user as a friend, the two will be connected directly or in the 1st degree. The user will then appear on the person's friend list and vice-versa.

Even business has a social networking site-LinkedIn. Begun in May 2003, and its main focus is professional networking. , LinkedIn had more than 60 million registered users, spanning more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

= The Pros and Cons of Social Networking = Connecting on social networks can make communication with family, friends, co-workers, and groups easier. Teachers can use the sites as a way to share research, technology, and ideas to help make their classroom stimulating and inviting. Churches, hiking clubs, and other common interest groups can list upcoming events or post video and pictures to the social site to invite others to attend. There are also sites to connect classmates and people interested in dating.

There are some concerns when posting and utilizing social network sites. Identity theft, fraud, stalking, harassment, robberies, and cyber-bullying have occurred using social network sites. Cyber-bullying has been defined by [|National Crime Prevention Council] as "when the Internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person"

Teachers have been cautioned by school districts not to "friend" students on these sites. Students are able to obtain personal information about a teacher.

In 2010, a teacher in Massachusetts was fired after posting angry rants about parents and students in her high school. The teacher was new to the social site and thought only a select friends would be able to view the information. The NBC report can be viewed at [|Teacher Fired For Facebook Posting]

When teachers are friends of students on social networking sites, the teacher has access to profile pictures, postings, and uploaded video. Teachers are [|mandated reporters] and are required to report student activities that are illegal such as alcohol and drug use.

Social Networking in Plain English

Pros and Cons of Social Networking You Make the Choice || Works Cited
 * 

//Academia.edu - Follow Research//. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. [].

Afarian, Diran. "What's After Facebook? - Technorati Technology." //Technorati//. 16 Jan. 2011. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. [].

Chattahbox.com. "Ning: Niche Social Networking for Everyone." //Chattahbox.com//. Chattahbox.com, 26 May 2009. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. [].

//Hi5 | Social Entertainment//. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. .

Productions, KB. //COCO LOCO PARTY BAND//. KB Productions. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. [].

//Relationships Matter | LinkedIn//. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. .

//Social Networking synopsis basd on Wikipedia//. Web. 11 Mar. 2011. [].