The Socially Networked Classroom: Teaching in the New Media Age

by William R. Kist

Incorporate social networking into instruction, no matter your level of technological expertise or Internet access! With appropriate guidance, students’ social networking skills can be harnessed for teaching and learning in the 21st century. William Kist demonstrates how pioneering teachers have successfully integrated screen-based literacies into instruction and  

Genres: Education, Technology, Nonfiction, Teaching

152 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe a 5? The book has LOTS of practical ideas for using technology in the classroom--organized by the degree to which a teacher has access (but if you are unfamiliar with Starbuck's, you might not understand the chapter titles!). I like the practicality of the book, especially the chapters that talk about how to introduce concepts useful to online writing but in classes that don't have access. I wanted the author to answer the question he raised about if we can do the same old things with technology or if technology changes things in some fundamental ways. That is a big question for me--and I wanted something more to help me work through it, even if it wasn't a definitive answer.

[Sarah Hanawald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a bad book, but it attempts to be all things to all teachers--those who are adept at social networking and those who are newbies. This is a book that should definitely be in every secondary school's professional library--it's a better library book than personal book. I found the teacher interviews illuminating and helpful to me in terms of framing professional development for faculty.

The discussion of filters that limit what teachers can access was interesting. It is amazing to me that schools can ignore thoughtful requests from teachers about accessing online resources. Who does this help?

[Carrie Honaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all other Kist books I have read, this one is a gem for educators. Kist explores how teachers with differing levels of technology access are incorporating it into their curriculum. It is chocked full of ideas and resources that are easily adaptable to any teaching situation. I gained some fresh ideas on how to approach classics like Romeo and Juliet. Kist is a voice for this generation of educators that are trying to connect to our 21st century students and I applaud his efforts. The book is extremely readable and approachable. It has none of the jargon that sometimes weighs down books about teaching. I loved it and highly recommend it!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really disappointed in this book because Bill Kist is supposed to be the "go-to" guy on incorporating technology into the classroom when all he did throughout this book was revamp old activities and rename them as "multiliteracy" (when, in fact, they are more multigenre). I was hoping to attain a more research-based rationale for the benefits and concerns surrounding implementing technology into the classroom. What I got, however, was a book full of information that I (and I suspect most teachers)already knew. Nothing innovative in this one, folks. Save your money.

[Gary Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Socially Networked Classroom comes along at just the right time as schools try to figure out what kinds of social networking platforms and approaches are necessary, optional, and appropriate.

I found at least six ideas in here that I can use with my classes.

For my Fremd friends who happen to see this, you'll be glad to know that our school is considered "a High Tech Environment."

[Julie Rowse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Kist acknowledges that not every district trusts its teachers or students to use the internet responsibly, so he provides a tiered approach to incorporating technology and 21st century skills. I've already started a list for what I want to do next year to extend classroom discussion and encourage inquiry.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the words of Mr. Kist "Social Networking Is Here To Stay." This book does a good job of helping educators understand how to leverage this fact no matter where their classroom may fall on the low tech to unlimited tech continuum. Lots of very practical ideas and activities to help get you started no matter what your tech experience might be.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource. I returned to it this year while attending a conference on Innovative Learning Environments. Bill Kist was one of the keynote speakers, and I love that he reminded people that social networking does not have to involve computers. We can use these ideas within whatever technology limitations we have in our schools.

[Wolfman]

Lots of really good ideas...that will all be outdated by a year from now. I'd heard of most of the stuff this book mentioned, but now I think I'm going to try a lot of it out. Not bad as this sort of book goes.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of practical advice to avoid pitfalls when using social networking and collaborative learning on the internet.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing knew but always good reminders of how important it is to know what you need to know to reach and teach effectively. Love the emphasis on teaching and learning, not on technology per se.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic and seems out of date. Plus who calls a blog a "weblog"? Author Kist does throughout the book

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots and lots of great ideas to use in my classroom this year. Almost too many good ideas!

[Claudia Staude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book with TONS of ideas that will change the approach of my teaching!

[Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book conveying novel ideas about integrating social networking technology in classroom

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has many doable ideas, but it would be better if it aligned then or included Common Core standards.