It is a fact that the World Wide Web can be extremely helpful for academic purposes. The article Social Networking in Undergraduate Education states that the internet has made the access to an abundance of information so easy that it has caused a paradigm shift from traditional text book learning to technology integrated learning experiences. The article also discusses a few studies where the efficacy of social media in education and demonstrates a different aspects depending on gender and major. I agree that in order to stay current with trends most educators have attempted to adopt these practices, including the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS's) such as Blackboard and even social media such as Twitter and Facebook. It is my opinion that even though social media enables students to connect easier on a personal level, my experience is that the LMS platforms are much more effective when it comes to academics. I think when instructors use social media to accommodate or encourage students to connect, the line is blurred between personal and professional or academic relationships. If used within certain boundaries, I think social media can assist in creating a positive learning environment, but LMS's should be used as primary
There are virtually no technological surprises to Generation Always On, a label given to the teens-to-mid 20's of today. “They have grown up in a world that has come to offer them instant access to nearly the entirety of human knowledge, and incredible opportunities to connect, create and collaborate." says the reports co-author Janna Anderson. I believe it addresses an enormous debate about the risks versus rewards of the advancement and implementation of technology in today's culture. There are many issues on both sides of the argument that should be considered; non more important to me than that of social interaction. Being a part of generation X where the use of technology was balanced with face-to-face encounters, I believe one of the major downfalls of technology is that it hinders the growth and development of social skills, which are the cornerstone of all relationships. It is an odd dichotomy is a world that revolves around social media. For example, I watch players on my team have major issues communicating with each other, not just on the court, but also expressing themselves on a personal level. Yet, they all tweet and comment on each others Facebook posts 24-7. In talking to other coaches, this is a common issue and a phenomena that is more than note worthy. The umbrella question is where do the benefits of technology cease and detriments begin?
PLN's are something that I am not too educated about. I understand the concept, but still think there is too much garbage thrown at us everyday to sort through. On one hand, I believe tools like RSS can help us sort through the junk and just focus on what we want, but still I believe it is just another way to track what people are interested in, how they access their information, and ultimately gives marketing companies ways to advertise to us and influence our train of thought.
As far as the network itself, I think it is great that we can leverage technology to achieve this, but again, one needs to be aware of who they are letting in their network and what opinions they are influenced by. It seems as if it would take time to manage the network even after it is built. Personally, I am just careful who I give attention to and who I get it from. It seems as if a PLN would give people as much access to me as it would me to them. And for the most part, I don't care what 99% Education and technology have become synonymis; it is hard to have one without the other. In order to use technology, we must learn and adapt. Between blog sites, e-books, and online programs which utilize virtual blackboards, education has become dependent on technology.
Blogs, imparticularly, have become useful in creating a common place for learning, collaborative authoring, making announcements or providing expert analysis. In my undergraduate work at Sac State, most classes had a blog platform and a certain number of posts were required per week or semester. I found it extremely helpful in connecting with fellow classmates. I don't have any specific sites or authors that I follow, but when I come across a topic that i am interested in, I will research a number of different sites and see if I can gather sufficient evidence to form a subjective opinion, which I think is key. I think a person can become contaminated with others opinions if they forget to think th With my experience in the business world, I used to be in my "sweet spot" when I was pursuing sales and being money motivated. However, as I matured, I realized that was not my motivation. I am truly passionate about helping people, especially young people, more specifically student-athletes. Even though I continued working in the business world, because I financially had too, I started finding ways to satisfy the desire to help these young student-athletes, mainly through coaching basketball. I found it gave me a platform to share my experiences, my faith, and build a platform for relationships. When I am involved in athletics or education, I find that almost always in my "sweet spot", hence the shift in my careers. With that being said, there are always areas that I can improve.
I am out of my area of strengths when I have to teach or coach something I do not believe in. When I was in the business world, it was the same way, except with products; i had to believe in the product I was selling. When I did, I never Due to the current popularity of social media, microblogging is a common tool used in athletics. Sites such as Twitter can be very helpful with recruiting or communicating with current or potential players and supporters. However, it can also provide a platform where disgruntled players, parents or supporters can create negativity, spread rumors or simply bash a program. It can be a useful tool if managed appropriately. I find it cumbersome to manage, but believe that it is a necessary evil.
All the Personal Web Presences (PWP's) that I have ever seen from coaches have been on their school athletic websites. I have referenced quite a few of them and notice that they all are similar but vary according to athletic department protocol, experience, and history of records - some are included and some are not. I believe that it is most important to post the basics of who you are as a coach and a person, but not so much that it can be scrutinized. Keep it short and fact filled.
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