Social Networking Technologies

Social Networking Technologies

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Ning

The social networking technology that will enhance adult learning is Ning (www.ning.com). Ning is a platform that has social applications for users to create their own groups with the ability of placing their special interests. This platform has the capability of sharing of videos, photos, forums, blogs, chats, groups and friends. Additionally, Ning provides users with the opportunity to create networks with the sole purpose of focusing on a specific subject.

The selection for technology is because of the many features that this platform presents for its users. Users have the ability to create focus groups that mainly deal with a particular topic and provide various features that allows video sharing and blogging. This is important for adult learners because it does not come with the distractions that other Social Networking Sites produce. Furthermore, Ning provides opportunities for learners and educators to share information within distance learning sessions. Brady, Holcomb, and Smith (2010) pointed out that from a survey of graduate students enrolled in distance education courses using Ning in education was most effective as a technological tool for improved communication among students at the higher education level. The use of this tool allow users to collaborate with others and sharing information beneficial to cooperative learning. Additionally, it offers users the opportunity to form discussion groups while simultaneously sharing information that gives students feel of the face to face contact.

This is a very good Social Networking Site to use within my current profession. Ning would provide students with the opportunity to work in special group assignments. Ning would benefit our students when planning their simulated military training events. This would provide an opportunity for students and facilitators’ collaboration. When working within their specific groups the facilitator has the ability to monitor the groups’ progress.

Another means of integrating Ning into my current profession, allows the use of the Social Networking Site as tool for collaboration among peer groups as means of collaborating when they graduate. These students would have the opportunity to share information once they are in their new assignments that could benefit their peers and provide the instructors feedback from their experiences.

Google Plus

Google Plus (www.plus.google.com) is another social networking tool that allow users to create various types of groups for the flow of information sharing. This platform allow adult learners who have access to the various Google products to organize groups that focus on a particular subject area.  Zaidieh (2012) points out that social networking has become one of the most important communication tools among people nowadays. However, social networks exist on the Internet websites where millions of people share interests on certain disciplines, and make available to members of these networks various shared files and photos and videos, create blogs and send messages, and conduct real-time conversations. Google plus allows users to share information by creating different types of circle groups. These groups have ability upload all types of information to work within collaborative groups from different locations. Additionally, Google plus offers these learners the capability of using a platform called Hangouts where individuals can do free video conferencing calls with a maximum of ten people. This allows adult learners to use this platform when working together on a distance learning project that requires real-time responses from all members.

The reason for the selection of Google plus technology was because of the popularity and the various types of applications that associates with this technology. Many individuals have Google accounts or use Google as a search engine. With the frequent use, this technology presents an opportunity for adult learners to have access to the different applications where the use of these tools become vital to meeting their learning needs. Brady et al (2010) pointed out that in a distance education course, Social Networking Sites (SNS) provide learners with a venue for fostering and developing a community of practice through technological affordances, such as user profiles, forums, tools, and resources. Given the inherent limitations of course management systems, the use of SNSs in education settings represents a definitive shift toward social and community-based web applications that cultivate and sustain discipline-specific social networks. Google plus allows adult learners to communicate in a social environment while simultaneously allowing video conferencing and uploading of instructional materials.

This application support my profession by offering learners the opportunity of using a means of technology that is accessible for all. Students in my profession must constantly communicate in and outside the classroom. Using Google Plus allow students to create their own circles designated from their instructors. Creating these circles allow students to work on group projects where they can upload videos, share information, and conduct video conferencing. Students have an opportunity of sending information anytime where they will receive a notification for response within that particular group.

References

Brady, K. P., Holcomb, L. B., & Smith, B. V. (2010). The use of alternative social networking sites in higher educational settings: A case study of the e-learning benefits of Ning in education. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 9(2), 151-170.

Zaidieh, A. J. Y. (2012). The use of social networking in education: challenges and opportunities. World of Computer Science and Information Technology Journal (WCSIT), 2(1), 18-21.