On the Plus Side for Social Network

This morning on MPR's Future Tense, Jon Gordon discussed a University of Minnesota study on how online social network sites such as Facebook can engage youth in world events, build community, and generate real world impact. The research has been funded with a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (New Facebook Applications to Engage Youth in News).

Early findings show that these networks can have a positive impact on student engagement and learning. Dr. Christine Greenhow, lead investigator on the study, responded to Gordon's question on why educators have not incorporated more social networking into their teaching by mentioning the same things we hear in MILI--fear of the unknown, lack of training, privacy issues, and time. MILI participants will be able to put some of those fears to rest. You can listen to the segment at the Future Tense link above.

A new study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project dispels some of the myths that social networking, mobile phones, and other Internet use do not lead to social isolation, as some previous research suggested. In fact, there's plenty of evidence that people who spend a lot of time online have fuller social lives. People’s use of the mobile phone and the Internet is associated with larger and more diverse discussion networks. When researchers examined people’s full personal network – their strong and weak ties – Internet use in general and use of social networking services such as Facebook in particular are associated with more diverse social networks.

More About Facebook

Update 2: Facebook has backed off the change in Terms of Service and returned to the previous version. This is a result of user feedback.
Facebook has started a group called Facebook Bill of Rights and Responsibilities formed specifically to allow people "to give input and suggestions on Facebook's Terms of Use."

The Consumerist pointed out that Facebook has changed its Terms of Service for user-generated content. See discussion of the post/issue in this Mashable article and also at Webware. The change makes it clear that Facebook owns the content, even after you leave Facebook. It does go on to explain the whys of this decision.
Update 1: The New York Times and its readers have weighed in on the issue.

You've probably seen the Facebook 25 Random Things About Me craze and maybe even done it. It has been covered everywhere, it seems. What do you think--too much information, fun, entertaining...?

Facebook for Parents

To help kids reach their full potential, parents today must know about Facebook. That’s the purpose of this website.

So begins the introduction to this potentially useful resource to share with parents. Facebook for Parents is a four session course offered at Stanford University designed for parents of Facebook users under 18. There is an optional hands-on lab prior to class that includes coaching of participants by Stanford students. Parents--or teachers--can sign up for an e-newsletter published three times a year. It will include updates about Facebook and explain the skills kids learn on Facebook. The Web site will eventually include the class materials.

So, we can't go to Stanford for the class. Can your district develop and offer a similar class?

Here are some Facebook privacy hints for anyone on Facebook from the AllFacebook blog.