Benefits of Social Networking in DE

Social networking creates increased opportunities for connectivity. The term was coined in 2003 and via networks enables people to meet, exchange ideas and share interests. Facebook and LinkedIn are two the most popular today, in which I am active. Admittedly though my use has been primarily for the purpose of entertainment and connecting with family and friends. Since I'm not one to mix business and pleasure, I'm not inclined to include either as a tool in my academic career. Despite that it's been reported that the pedagogical rationale the use social networking in all forms of education has increased steadily for over 100 years (Anderson, 2009).

In my opinion blogs, document sharing and journals, are much more appropriate learning tools because they achieve the desired essential functions of e-learning applications of socializing, sharing and sojourning.

REFERENCES: Anderson, T. (2009, April 28). Social networking chapter [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://terrya.edublogs.org/2009/04/28/social-networking-chapter/