Search Learning and you will find countless references. Search Web2.0 and you may find as many , maybe less, maybe more, references on this subject. Search Social Networking and you may get caught up so much reading that you couldn’t possiblsayyBouiy take at one time. Now… search Learning “and” web2.0 oand/or Learning “and” Social networking you might notice your findings display two opposite tones: one that “overrates” and other that “underestimates” the “ohh” great power of Web2.0.

What caught my attention to come to this reflection was this article published by The Chronicle of Higher Education ” Should Computer Scientists Make Social-Networking Research a Higher Priority?”. It looks like there’s a combined initiative to push research on social networking forward – which in my opinion could have a positive impact, or not. Forecasting isn’t my best vote. However, outline expectations such as The Chronicle mentions:

unite far-flung participants to help track disease outbreaks, revolutionize neighborhood-watch programs, encourage energy conservation, and serve other civic and community goals, according to a group of researchers calling for greater government and university investment in social networking. xx

Although I could guess it might be a little overrated, they are on their role [and we should have someone acting on this role] of advocating for better and faster research.  Gsiemens from eLearnSpace puts his concerned notes on how will [or already is] social networking be incorporated into education. And this is the point where I have a strong opinion on. The Internet is a vehicle, a means to an end. Social networking is a variation of how we socialize physically, not the same but originated from. We play web2.0 and social networking somewhat different than face-to-face because we have different purposes, certain freedoms that we wouldn’t have if face-to-face, and of course many other factors influencing our behavior online. s

Education, or better, learning takes place formally and informally. Formally – happens at school, at work [training], college, university, workshop, conferences. Informally, at home, online. The condition for informal learning to take place the individual needs to have a motivation, to be seeking for something to learn. The Internet is a great place to look for answers – it’s easier than accessing school or professors, it’s on-demand, more convenient, independent, free. It doesn’t mean that we can guarantee 100% overall quality like in formal settings. But it happens that this ocean of information inputed by other human beings is there and once we find it… we may associate that piece of information with our questions… and maybe get an answer. Whether of good or bad quality.

In my profession, I observe many faculty members criticizing Facebook and Wikipedia – I never heard them mention Twitter… yet. They might like Facebook or even Wikipedia. But when I hear them “talking” about it… it’s to point out negative aspects.  These web2 .0/ social networking applications exist and are popularly used because people like them. The idea isn’t to fight AGAINST it. But I’d recommend to work with it in terms of foster awareness of how the use of these applications in your learning process can have a positive or negative impact.