1. Web 2.0 Review
Kayla Triplett
CI 350 Harold Blanco
Web 2.0 Review- Facebook
Although the use of Facebook in the school system is a bit a of a controversial
issue, I fully support the use of Facebook in school, as long as educators truly ensure
that they are keeping the profile and conversations completely professional and
school-related. Facebook is a great Web 2.0 application because, it is free, it
promotes collaboration, and allows real time communication. Using Facebook is
simple and, as mentioned previously, completely free of charges.
In the case of a teacher who wants to create a Facebook for their class, they
can start by creating an account, separate from a personal one (if they have one
already). A teacher can create a page specifically for their class. For example, “Miss
Triplett’s 1st grade Class” could be the page name. Once the page has been created,
Miss Triplett can send a newsletter home to parents informing them that the page
exists and encouraging them to become friends with the page. Having parents friend
or “like” the page will promote parental involvement with their child even if they
have a time consuming job because Miss Triplett can post updates and images of the
students’ progress and outstanding work in class. In the case of upper grade level
students, both the parents and students can “like” the page where the teacher can
post class updates or assignments and parents can also stay involved with what is
going on in their children’s education, which is a vital element in success.

2. The Web 2.0 application, Facebook, also promotes collaboration between
people by connecting them with others at any time who are involved in the same
class. A teacher can post a video, link, or image on the class Facebook that will
initiate a class discussion where students can feed off each other’s comments to
build their own opinions or arguments about the topic. This engages a student in
thinking critically but also a discussion with their classmates that can be held
outside the walls of their classroom.
The possibility of real time communication is also a huge plus. Not every
parent can schedule a parent-teacher conference or leave their job at the same time
as a teacher has planning in order to discuss something about their child. People are
very busy and the messing aspect of Facebook is a perfect solution. For example, if a
parent has a question about their child’s grade or behavior, they can send the
teacher a private message through the class Facebook. The teacher will then receive
a notification and respond to the question as soon as possible. Facebook provides an
opportunity to break down some of the communication barriers with parents. Not
only can it enhance communication with parents, it also enhances student
communication. If a student is working on their homework and discovers they have
a quick question, they can send a message to their teacher who will answer as soon
as possible.
As for the dangers involved with Facebook in school, I believe everything is
avoidable. Teachers who create class Facebook’s must be willing to commit time to
keeping up with it, and doing everything in their power to keep it 100%
professional. Set strict rules and share them with students and parents. For

3. example, a teacher could say that after 7:30, P.M. they will not answer any messages
on the Facebook until the next morning to ensure there aren’t any questionable late-
night conversations taking place. Students are using Facebook outside the class for
pleasure, why not take advantage of the opportunities Facebook provides. Because
students are so familiar with Facebook already, it will foster an interest in a new
learning perspective they are not used to experiencing.