social+networking

= **Social Networking** = Author: Shihaam Geyer and Simone Titus

1. Definition and Introduction
Online social networking sites are commonly known as social sites that function like and online community of internet users. Here, individuals can share common interests, hobbies, lifestyles, religion politics and so forth. Once you have been granted access to a particular social networking site, you may begin to socialise by contacting people you may (or may not) know on an online platform, depending on the social networking service you subscribe to. A **social networking service** is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people, e.g., who share interests and/or activities([]). Social networking sites also allows users to communicate with each other, share information, upload or post photos, videos and music. In addition to social networking, mobile social networking may be used as an alternative to web-based social networking where people socialise via their phones or tablets.

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2. Examples of products (open source/free or commercial)
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**3. Benefits of Social Networking**
Social networking offers many benefits. This includes the fact that it if offered at a low (or no) cost. It is cheaper to use online social networking for both personal and business use. Without doing expensive needs assessments, one can easily gauge peoples needs by learning about their likes and dislikes. It is also an effective and low cost way to promote various initiatives.

Social networking sites also afford you the opportunity to connect with people on a personal and professional level, thereby building credibility. There is also a potential to develop valuable connections with people in the long run.

4. Social Networking Applications for Teaching and Learning
In addition to social networking sites, there are a number of sites, including the ones mentioned above, that may be used for educational purposes. The benefits are that;


 * Social networking can act as a supporting tool for students whether it is in a particular class, or on a specific topic or project.
 * Students are able to debate, communicate, exchange ideas and engage with each other.
 * Teacher is able to communicate with students outside of class time as well as students communicating with fellow peers out

There are also a number of social networking sites useful for Teaching and Learning, of which some are free and others are commercial. These include;

Academia.edu [|Academia.edu]

Zotero [|Zotero]

Research Gate- A network dedicated to to research and science [|ResearchGate]

Mendeley [|Mendeley]

Social Science Research Network [|Social Science Research Network]

5. Other resources (articles, guides, videos, examples...)
Provide links to other resources that you have found in your online search, such as articles, studies, videos, examples, images of your tool/technology. List of social networking websites []

Feedback on using a social network for a case study []

Educational benefits of social networking websites []

Article: Educational benefits of social networking sites uncovered []

Article: Back to "Mythstakes" of technology planning in the future classroom []

Article: I'll see you on "Facebook": The effects of computer-mediated teacher self-disclosure on student motivation, affective learning, and classroom climate. []

You tube videos [|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOZiwOrZsbk&feature=player_embedded#at=39]