tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598232295961252364.post3358341596583516445..comments2023-10-11T10:29:20.516+01:00Comments on DMU Learning Exchanges: 2 articles on social networking in the IndependentRichard Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14282458219573470775noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598232295961252364.post-89508534886993905072008-02-14T09:57:00.000+00:002008-02-14T09:57:00.000+00:00The first article is about groups of interest, whi...The first article is about groups of interest, which would be applicable to us dealing with groups of learners. I'm all for this in a controlled environment. These networks of interest are easily setup and catered for when using ning networks. The network creator can decide who joins or who to ban.<BR/><BR/>Initially alarm bells rang straight away with the thought that anyone can setup as a mentor. later on in the article security and mentor ratings were mentioned, so perhaps there may be something of value in it. Anything that can build on and improve the ning way of fostering groups of interest would be good. i've got a feeling it won't match ning, but i'll have to take a look and see what the differences are and whether it is more than just a gimmick.<BR/><BR/>Back to the old chestnut Facebook. There is no way i would use facebook in an educational context.<BR/><BR/>All users have to be educated and very mindful of the electronic footprint they leave behind. <BR/><BR/>Facebook has a ravenous desire to lure you into activity and get you involved in all manner of frivolous applications that can lead you to unexpected paths.<BR/><BR/>I don't think it is right and sensible for educational institutions to encourage users to access facebook for a planned educational purpose. They should just keep WELL CLEAR if only to avoid potential legal problems.Steve Mackenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13773778141513293168noreply@blogger.com