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Facebook, MSN, Skype and WhatsApp to create an online classroom

Description: Facebook is an online social networking service. Since 2006, anyone who is at least 13 years old is allowed to become a registered user of the website, though this age requirement may be higher depending on applicable local laws. Students often use Facebook, MSN, Skype and WhatsApp for social networking. Facebook is often used directly by students to create online groups that simulate the classroom. This can be useful, especially when a classmate is ill to keep them up to date with the current activities, and not only in terms of school work.
Notes: After registering to use the site, users can create a user profile, add other users as "friends", exchange messages, post status updates and photos, share videos and receive notifications when others update their profiles. Additionally, users may join common-interest user groups, organized by workplace, school or college, or other characteristics, and categorize their friends into lists such as "People from Work" or "Close Friends". Facebook had over 1.18 billion monthly active users as of June 2015. Due do the large volume of personal data users submit to the service, Facebook has come under scrutiny for their privacy policy. Facebook is often used directly by students to create online groups that simulate the classroom. This can be useful, especially when a classmate is ill to keep them up to date with the current activities, and not only in terms of school work. Social networks enable teachers to keep in contact with students with medical needs, and some teachers have started to use Facebook, often supported by MSN or Skype to allow a real-time connection. Some drawbacks connected to the use of these commercial consumer products are: many people refuse to use social media products, teachers but also students, as they are somehow 'dangerous' tools from a privacy point of view. Also have teachers and students to use their private account as Facebook and the other social networking products are not allowed to be accessed via school networks.
Link to additional info: facebook
Key Educational Factors:
  • creating relationship
  • constructing knowledge
  • taking up new roles
  • metacognition
  • respecting individividualities
Media:
  • software
  • internet
  • website
Educational Settings:
  • hospital school
  • home education
Target group:
  • teacher/assistant
  • ICT staff school
  • learner elem. sch.
  • learner sec. sch.
Located in: Tools