Let’s Face it: Social Networking Is Here To Stay, So Let’s Embrace It
Abstract: In a consistently evolving digital world, today’s students are becoming increasingly more fixated on the Internet, social networking, outlets, and personal technology devices such as iPhones, iPads, Blackberrys, and the like. As educators strive to further develop their lessons and promote active involvement amongst students in the classroom, it is imperative that they address ways in which the divide between education and technology can dissipate. In years past, instruction absent of technology proved effective for many instructors, but as society continues to rapidly adopt varying forms of technology, educators must accept these changes and begin to embrace them within the curriculum. Applications such as social networking sites and discussion boards can be implemented within today’s English classrooms to enhance learning and engage students via mediums that currently attract them. Not only will students become more actively involved in class, but also they should become more independent, enriched learners.
Presider: Pasquina Campanella, University of Bari