Reflection on "Navigating Social Network as Learning Tools" by Will Richardson

I agree with Will Richardson when he says that social networks are valuable learning tools that can create connections and learning opportunities that a typical classroom environment just cannot. I think that social networks can play a valuable role in the education of students as long as they they know how to navigate them. From what I see, most students use websites such as Facebook, Twitter or MySpace just as social connections and not to create learning environments. Students write about what their plans are for the day,what they ate for breakfast, or how much they hate a subject in school. The majority of students that I have come across do not use social networks to learn from others across the world, they use them to stay connected with friends and family, or to meet new people. I see nothing wrong with this, the web provides a great tool for staying in touch with people and meeting new ones, but there is so much more out there that students should also learn how to utilize.
According to Will Richardson " They (students) do not see these learning connections being modeled, nor are they being taught how to create, navigate and grow these powerful learning networks in safe, effective and ethical ways." I completely agree with this statement. Students need to learn the kind of potential the web has to offer, but most adults and teachers do not even understand the vast learning opportunities that social networks provide, so who can students learn this valuable information from? Teachers need to learn the valuable learning potential of social networks, and then teach their students the benefit of such a great leaning community. Students need to be taught how to safely share things online, how to provide feedback to others, and how to tell if someone is safe to communicate with online. Students must also learn that once something is published online, it cannot be taken back, it is there permanently and can reflect on them when they start to apply for jobs or to colleges. Teachers need to take full advantage of what the web has to offer, and take it into their own hands to provide their students with the knowledge needed for a 21st century leaner.