Researchers Identify Benefits of Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites like MySpace often make headlines regarding safety concerns, but in a first-of- its-kind study, researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered the educational benefits of social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. The same study found that low-income students are in many ways just as technologically proficient as their counterparts, countering what previous studies have suggested.
“What we found was that students using social networking sites are actually practicing the kinds of 21st century skills we want them to develop to be successful today,” said Christine Greenhow, a learning technologies researcher in the university’s College of Education and Human Development and principal investigator of the study. “Students are developing a positive attitude towards using technology systems, editing and customizing content and thinking about online design and layout. They’re also sharing creative original work like poetry and film and practicing safe and responsible use of information and technology. The Web sites offer tremendous educational potential.” Educators have a vast opportunity to support what students are learning on the Web sites.
“By understanding how students may be positively using these networking technologies in their daily lives and where the “as yet” unrecognized educational opportunities are, we can help make schools even more relevant, connected and meaningful to kids,” said Greenhow.
Researchers found that very few students in the study were actually aware of the academic and professional networking opportunities that the Web sites provide. Educators can make this opportunity more known to students to make their social networking experiences more educational. In addition, educators can help students explore what it means to be a good digital citizen and leader online
The study found that many of the students observed used the Internet, go online at home and had a profile on a social networking site. When asked what they learn from using social networking sites, the students listed technology skills as the top lesson, followed by creativity, being open to new or diverse views and communication skills.
Over six months students from ages 16 to 18, in thirteen urban high schools in the Midwest were surveyed. In addition, a follow-up, randomly selected subset was asked questions about their Internet activity as they navigated MySpace. The students participating in the University of Minnesota study were from families whose incomes were at or below the county median income and were participating in an after school program, Admission Possible, aimed at improving college access for low-income youth
— Teachers of Color
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