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

Additional Files

Published

2013-11-01

Issue

Section

Articles