So, what is scootle?
Scootle is a teacher reference resource that is organised to allow educators access to the many digital resources now available online. Access to Australian resources is a bonus. It certainly takes time to understand how to use this site, but the benefits will become more evident the more I use it. I also like being able to read other teachers comments as this can inform my choices or suggest other aspects of the resource that I may not have discovered.
And.....what is social networking?
Social networking has certainly received a lot of attention as it has gradually become part of our daily lives. I have only used Facebook a few times and have found that there is a huge amount of unnecessary information shared and it is often mundane musings on people's lives. It is easy to waste a lot of time using this facility, but reflection on what is actually gained leads me to question the importance of such a network.
General discussion in the media tends to focus on people trying to now streamline contacts to try and distill the essence of what they want to actually achieve from such interaction. It seems that original fascination with sites such as YouTube, My Space and Facebook has worn thin because of the over-emphasison self - and anyone who may be interested. If you stand back from the information frenzy and choose to pursuit sites that are of your interests or hobbies, your political persuasion or your close social web, then I feel that you can benefit from this phenomenon. If you choose to wander aimlessly through these sites with no particular achievements, the it is probably time to "step away from the web"!
Connecting with real friends and socialising face to face is a much healthier way to be a part of the world. Observing from the sidelines, means you must be missing the point. This is why I believe that children must be closely supervised in the use and effect of social media, it's relevance and it's influence, good or bad in our lives. there are probably quite a few adults we need to keep an eye on too!
So keeping a healthy scepticism on social networking, I feel means I know how to be informed, with what and with whom on my own terms.
Am I interested in Twittering?
NO!
And what about Second Life?
Second life was an interesting site to explore. Whilst I am not a fan of the stilted animation I can see the many uses that this form of teaching could take. I guess that with time the bank of resources offered will increase , along with the interest of students who have been exposed to this type of animation all of their lives.
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