Summary: Seattle Public Schools have been using their own network to help students and teachers utilize the many benefits of social networking within a safe, controlled environment. Besides teaching students responsible and safe networking skills, the tool has allowed teachers to consider different pedagogies that are more student-centered and inquiry-based.
What I Think: I am a huge advocate for allowing social networks in schools. Sure, some will point to the risks, but that's just a bigger reason for why they should be addressed in schools. The best way to protect students from harm is to facilitate that learning. Why not provide a safe space for them to explore the virtues of social networking?
How does this help me with my work? The Seattle project is a great example of how a school district has adopted social networks to work for their purpose of educating their students. I can point to this example as a success story. Schools wouldn't have to create their own networks. They could utilize MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter as well as create their own networks on Moodle or Ning.
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