Using Facebook in K-12 Classrooms: Ethical considerations for safe social networking
Authors
Keith Howard
Chapman University
Abstract
Teacher educators and school administrators face a fast-moving balancing act when making decisions on how new technology should be harnessed to enhance education. With the increasing popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, the idea of utilizing social networking in the K-12 classroom has gained traction in some educational circles. However, critics charge that Facebook has had some negative impacts on users, particularly adolescents, which suggests that inclusion in K-12 classroom settings may not be practical. This article examines the literature on social networking and its potential impact on educational settings and argues that including Facebook in K-12 requires a plan for managing the potential risks involved.
Author Biography
Keith Howard, Chapman University
College of Educational Studies
Assistant Professor & Coordinator
Secondary Teacher Education Program