Facebook and Myspace
by Veronica Baca
Historical Background
The trend of the World Wide Web being a source for information has now turned into a way of building new relations and a form of communication such as emailing. A new source called social networking sites (SNS) have been established among the internet users as a way to build online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others (Wikipedia). The available SNS provide several applications for users to interact with others such as messaging, emailing, and blogging (Wikipedia). According to Sullivan (2007), SNS have become a comparison to social clubs of the real world.
The first step for millions of users before using a SNS is registering using an established email at no cost and creating their own profile within the SNS software (Weaver & Morrison, 2008). The created profile will establish the interaction of other users and begin the first step of establishing a network. The first types of SNS were developed as earliest as 1995 with the creation of Classmates.com; which allowed for users to meet old friends and create new friends as well. The newest types of SNS have improved and provided users with many more applications and opportunities for collaborating with networks of their interests either for educational or work purposes or meeting new people for more of a personal/social interest.
The two most popular developed SNS among users, especially teens, are MySpace and Facebook. Both SNS are being research in-depth and further explored among researchers. A detailed explanation of both SNS will follow with a short video clip of an interview of the creators of the SNS. MySpace and Facebook have become a part of the lives of different age groups and connecting individuals in different settings such as colleges, workplaces, schools, and even at home. The two types of SNS have different disguised features but both serve the purpose for interaction and communication among users. In brief, MySpace was developed in 2003 by Tom Anderson for the purpose, at that time, to attract musicians and the music culture group (Wikipedia). According to Sullivan (2007), MySpace is informal and more about pop culture and leisure-time activities. A full exploration of the development of MySpace can be viewed in an interview from a show called The Hour. The SNS Facebook was developed by Mark Zuckerberg, an ex-Harvard student in 2004 (Wikipedia). Facebook was initially developed only for Harvard students but was expanded for anyone with an established e-mail address. An in-depth two part interview was created by 60 minutes on the creator of Facebook and the applications Facebook had to offer: (Part I Interview and Part II Interview).
Relevance to education
The debate whether social networking sites have an importance towards education still remains to be in doubt by many researchers, educators, and parents. MySpace and Facebook however, have made several strides in making an attempt to make an impact in the educational setting. A study performed by Greenhow (2008) seems to contradict several opinions by researchers on the negativity social networking sites can play in the classroom or school. Students from a Midwest high school participated in the study and were questioned on their use of social networking sites, such as MySpace, as a way of learning (Greenhow, 2008). The students expressed that the technological skills they grasp from working with MySpace allowed them to learn the skills needed for the 21st Century. A short video can be viewed on the study performed by Greenhow at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tQH1nyrJG0.
In an article from Marian Wilde, “Can MySpace be good for kids?” she explains how experts are quickly changing their notion that social networking sites, such as MySpace, are making an impact on the learning of students. Wilde (2006) explains the tools that students use within MySpace, such as uploading images, creating their profile, and blogging, can enhance students high-level critical skills and self-reflection.
A business class at Stanford is learning how the social networking site, Facebook, is being used as a teaching source for students. Stanford students are developing applications within the Facebook website and using their work to their advantage in the marketing business. The motivation and interest for these students is to someday build on their work to have success in the business world and take advantage of the 15 billion dollar profit that is being made by the social networking site Facebook.[The actual video clip on the information in the paragraph can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCrWfmKMfWI ]
Educators and researchers are finding ways to implement social networking sites as a way of learning, however, the issue still remains on the privacy and safety of the children while using social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Wilde (2006) explains the major concern for parents is keeping their children’s profile information away from predators that seek harm against children. MySpace and other social networking sites do have instill rules and violations for individuals that do not follow the terms of agreement; however, this does not secure parents and educators on the safety of the students while using the software (Wilde, 2006).
Glossary of Terms
- Facebook: "is a social networking website that was originally designed for college students, but is now open to anyone 13 years of age or older. Facebook users can create and customize their own profiles with photos, videos, and information about themselves. Friends can browse the profiles of other friends and write messages on their pages" (Sharpened Glossary, 1999).
- MySpace: "is an online community that allows friends to keep in touch and meet new people as well. It started out as a website that bands could use to promote their music, but has since grown into a more general community of friends. Anyone who is at least 14 years old can sign up for a MySpace account at no cost" (Sharpened Glossary, 1999).
- Social networks: "websites allow users to be part of a virtual community. Users can share their lives with other people without needing to develop and publish their own home pages. Websites also provide an important linking element between users that allows friends to communicate directly with each other" (Sharpened Glossary, 1999).
Start-up Costs
A detailed plan of social networking sites (SNS) cost, technological tools required, the training and the appropriate SNS to use for students will be discussed.
Figure 1: MySpace Sign-up form:
MySpace and Facebook are both a free online software source for users ages 14 and over. A computer or laptop with high speed internet service is required in order to access MySpace or Facebook. If an individual is accessing the SNS at home, it is best to subscribe to a high speed digital subscriber line such as AT&T DSL or Roadrunner. If the SNS is being accessed at a school campus, then the school’s technology department will provide the internet service which will be a T1 line (http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/connections/page4801.cfm). Both internet services will provide the speed and capability needed to use MySpace and Facebook applications such as uploading photos and streaming music.
The required software can be accessed online going to the URL: MySpace: www.myspace.com and Facebook: www.facebook.com. Due to the potential threat the internet can have to users, a firewall program is recommended. School districts will have security software installed by their technicians; home users will have to purchase their own personal firewall. If individual users are unable to purchase security software, many programs can be downloaded on a 15 day- trial basis (http://shop.symantecstore.com/store/symnahho/en_US/ContentTheme/ThemeID.106300/pbPageTrialware_en_US). The table below provides an overview of the required software, hardware needed, cost, and where to be purchased depending on the location being used:
Table 1: Software, cost, site of purchase, home/school
Now that the hardware and software is explained, the appropriate SNS needs to be decided and the procedures needed to start using the SNS in education by educators and students. Educators need to determine which SNS is appropriate based on their academic purpose and the applications available by the SNS. Facebook was developed in the beginning for college students; however, it has expanded for anyone that has a registered email address. Since university students are the majority users of Facebook, it’s logical to assume that professors will use the SNS. According to Insidehighered.com, a step forward in including SNS with academics has been established by Blackboard and Facebook. Blackboard has created Blackboard Sync in which delivers course information and updates from Blackboard to the user inside Facebook (Insidehighered.com). Blackboard Sync works in correlation with the Blackboard system of the university, however, in the private sector of the Facebook user. Students are able to collaborate with other students in their school network and professors are able to provide discussion topics notifications.
Students still need to login to the Blackboard system to view their grades and other course information, however, students are able to collaborate with their network in Facebook (Blackboard Sync). The procedures needed to be performed by users in order to use Blackboard Sync and Facebook is first for all to register within Facebook and create a profile. Users also need to be a part of a college course to use Blackboard. Preferably, it is best for college students to register within Facebook using their university emails (.edu) so they can be included with their school network or group (Facebook). Educators can also use Facebook among university students through distance-learning. According to Panckhurst and Marsh (2008), higher education institutes are learning how to integrate SNS with distance learning to bring students closer to a virtual campus. Educators use the network feature of Facebook to communicate with students in the course (Dron & Anderson, 2007). The feature requires for everyone to set up an account with Facebook.
The professor of the course would be best to register first as an administrator and then invite their students to his/her network. From this point, the professor is able to communicate with students and post discussion questions for students to collaborate on. Facebook allows the administrator to make the network secured and restricts others from entering. University students and educators may have experience using Facebook and Blackboard and do not need extensive training, however, individuals that are not aware of the software tools will need to practice using the tools as they work with the source, similar to on the job training. However, educators can provide guidance to beginners and other peers can provide assistance while working within Facebook. Approximately a week of working within Facebook can perhaps adjust students to the tool.
SNS may also be used within the secondary and elementary levels, however, due to the privacy laws and sanctions school districts have with MySpace and Facebook, educators have limited experience using the software. Polly (2007) describes a method on how an application in MySpace can be used with elementary and high school students. First of all, to secure the confidentiality of students, teachers take the responsibility of setting up an account with the SNS MySpace and working with MySpace to use as an educational tool. According to Polly (2007), to convince school administrators to use MySpace in the curriculum, educators indicate how SNS will be used and the positive academic outcomes. MySpace’s blogging application will be used to allow students to complete higher-ordered tasks, such as evaluating, synthesizing, and applying information to content they are working on. Educators also state how blogging will enhance student achievement tests scores by facilitating writing across the curriculum by giving students a method to publish their compositions, reflections, and opinions about content that they are learning in schools. For students at this level to use SNS MySpace with their learning, they will have to be explained the restrictions they have when working with the source and what can happen if they do not follow the rules. School administrators will also have to use their security software to protect students and the technology system of the school district.
Educators will need to take precaution when implementing SNS in their teaching. The time it takes for students and educators to start using SNS will depend on how well students grasp the components within SNS, the registration procedures by the teacher or student, and how convincing the teacher is towards their administrators in using the tool. If the school has the hardware, such as computers for students to use and the internet, then teachers can have tutoring sessions and short lessons on features of MySpace and on blogging. Perhaps a two week period on a unit on How to Blog and How to use MySpace will prepare students to use the actual SNS online.
Key-players, gurus, experts
The listed organizations and individuals below play an important role in the ongoing development of the social networking sites MySpace and Facebook:
Mashable.com is a free social networking news blog. It is a very popular visited site for people to read news and information on the popular social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and others. Mashable also provides its own social networking source in which a person 18 years and over can sign up and communicate with other registered users.
Techcrunch.com is a weblog that provides news and reviews on new technology software and products. The website provides a search index that allows users to search for mostly any product they would like to read on and review information from companies and individuals perspective.
Chris Hughes: co-founded and served as a spokesperson for Facebook. He currently serves as a consultant for the social networking site. Mr. Hughes primarily spends his time with the presidential campaign of Barack Obama as the coordinator of the campaign’s online social networking website.
Technology Evangelist: a website that offers people the latest news and information on the technology software and products. The website offers a subscription to anyone who wants daily updates and news on the technological tools just by providing the user’s email address. The website provides the latest news on the social networking sites MySpace and Facebook by searching their archives.
ZDNet: a website that provides IT professionals and other interested members information on the latest technology news. To receive the valuable information and access to other sites of ZDNet, people must register as members by providing their email address. Registered members also have the opportunity to receive newsletters delivered to their email address about the newest technology or other benefits offered to them such as discounts and services.
Content Management Matters (CMSWire): a web magazine that keeps many professionals such as technologist, vendors, and analysts up to date on the latest on the technology industry. CMSWire requires no registration but does require users to subscribe through feed or email to receive the latest news provided by CMSWire on technology.
Sample Lesson Plans
The following links will lead readers to sample lesson plans using MySpace and Facebook social networking tools. Sample lesson plans and discussion on SNS MySpace. Sample lesson plans and discussion on SNS Facebook.
Tutorial
How to videos or tutorials on Facebook and Myspace.
Sources
Bacon, F. (2007). Using facebook with literature. Retrieved on July 5, 2008 from
http://charactercounts.org/hmail/0108-Chron-Facebook-lesson.pdf
Boyd, D.M. &Ellison, N.B. (2007). Social network sites: Definition, history, and
scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1). Retrieved on
June 6, 2008 from http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol13/issue1/boyd.ellison.html
Brooks-Gunn & Donahue (2008). Introducing the issue. Retrieved on June 26, 2008 from
http://www.futureofchildren.org/usr_doc/rouse_intro.pdf
Charnigo, L. and Barnette-Ellis, P. (2007). Checking out facebook.com: the impact
of a digital trend on academic libraries. Information Technology and Libraries.
Retrieved on June 14, 2008 from www.ala.org/ala/lita/litapublications/ital/262007/2601mar/charnigo.pdf
Dalsgaard, C. (2008). Social networking sites: transparency in online education. Retrieved on June 14,
2008 from http://eunis.dk/papers/p41.pdf
Facebook. Retrieved on June 6, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook
Facebook on 60 Minutes 01-13-08 Part 1 (2008). Retrieved on June 18, 2008 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cEySyEnxvU
Facebook on 60 Minutes 01-13-08 Part 2 (2008). Retrieved on June 18, 2008 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CGF00VIxB8
Frontline (2007). Compete with MySpace!: Design a New Site. Retrieved on July 5, 2008 from
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/teach/kidsonline/addl.html
Frontline (2007). How did MySpace become your space? Retrieved on July 5, 2008 from
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/teach/kidsonline/lesson.html
Hill, E.(2002). Creating MySpace Accounts for Fictional Characters. Retrieved on July 5, 2008 from
http://medb.byu.edu/lesson/show?id=97
Pedagogical choices with technology affordances in the Web 2.0 era. Retrieved
on June 14, 2008 from www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/singapore07/procs/mcloughlin.pdf
Melanie (2007). So what is networked learning? Retrieved on June 14, 2008 from
http://melanie1987.wordpress.com/
MySpace. Retrieved on June 6, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySpace
MySpace, Facebook and Other Social Networking Sites: Hot Today, Gone Tomorrow?
Knowledge@Wharton Retrieved on June 26, 2008 from http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1463
MySpace project: Utilizing today’s technology to take a look at the last thirty years. Retrieved on July 5,
2008 from http://amhist.ist.unomaha.edu/lessonLists.php
MySpace Tutorial. Retrieved on July 18, 2008 from http://www.myspace-tutorial.com/
Murchu, I.O., Breslin, J.G., & Decker, S. (2004). Online social and business networking
communities. Retrieved on June 6, 2008 from www.deri.ie/fileadmin/documents/DERI-TR-2004-08-11.pdf
Murray, K.E. & Waller, R. (2007). Social networking goes abroad. International
Educator. Retrieved on June 6, 2008 from www.nafsa.org/_/File/_/ie_mayjun07_educationabroad.pdf
Schenk, M. (2008). How to use facebook. Expert Village Website. Retrieved on July 15, 2008 from
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1261_facebook-use.htm
Science Daily. Educational benefits of social networking sites uncovered. Retrieved on June 25, 2008
from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620133907.htm
Selwyn, N. (NA). Web 2.0 applications as alternative environments for informal
learning- a critical review. Retrieved on June 14, 2008 from
www.oecd.org/dataoecd/32/3/39458556.pdf
Sharpened Glossary: Definition of Computer Terms (1999-2008). Retrieved on July 3, 2008 at
http://www.sharpened.net/glossary/definition.php?facebook
Sharpened Glossary: Definition of Computer Terms (1999-2008). Retrieved on July 3, 2008 at
http://www.sharpened.net/glossary/definition.php?myspace
Sharpened Glossary: Definition of Computer Terms (1999-2008). Retrieved on July 3, 2008 at
http://www.sharpened.net/glossary/definition.php?socialnetworking
Stanford Facebook Class on NBC11 (2007). Retrieved on June 20, 2008 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCrWfmKMfWI
Sullivan, M. (2007). Is facebook the new myspace? PC World. Retrieved on June 25, 2008 from
http://www.pcworld.com/printable/article/id,134635/printable.html
The Hour ( 2007). Tom Anderson: Founder of MySpace. Retrieved on June 18, 2008 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yWpnto-hqQ
University of Minnesota study uncovers educational benefits of MySpace (2008). Retrieved on
June 20, 2008 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tQH1nyrJG0
Weaver, A.C. & Morrison, B.B (2008). How things work: Social networking.
Retrieved on June 11, 2008 from http://www.computer.org/portal/site/computer/menuitem.5d61c1d591162e4b0ef1bd108bcd45f3/index.jsp?&pName=computer_level1_article&TheCat=1055&path=computer/homepage/0208&file=thingswork.xml&xsl=article.xsl&
Wilde, M. (2006). Can MySpace be good for kids? Retrieved on June 25, 2008 from
http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/ca/777
Yip, V. ( 2007). Myspace tutorial: Part I. YouTube. Retrieved on July 15, 2008 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXMl9wWsU2U
Presentation describing created wiki on Myspace and Facebook:
MySpace & Facebook powerpoint.ppt
Comments (11)
Emily Moore said
at 10:22 pm on Jun 14, 2008
Veronica,
This is solid background--concise and informative.
-Emily
David Plummer said
at 6:02 pm on Jun 17, 2008
Veronica,
Like Emily said, very good information. I would like to see links put into the text that would allow the reader to either go to the site such as for facebook or perhaps go to the Wikipedia page if they chose. This would helpful in allowing the reader to easily drill down for more information. Other than that, great job.
-David
CRod said
at 7:14 pm on Jun 19, 2008
Good information - covers the who created SNS when and why. I noticed you mentioned users 'over age 13' more than once. Is there a reason SNS are quick to include this stipulation in their descriptions? If so, this might be something to consider adding. just a thought.
-CRod
Emily Moore said
at 10:35 am on Jun 24, 2008
Veronica,
Can Facebook users start their own (private) Facebook groups--for example, study groups--that they can then use to exchange documents and meet in person? That might be an additional approach to educational use of Facebook...
-Emily
Veronica Baca said
at 1:25 pm on Jun 24, 2008
Emily,
I was about to approach that question within the start up cost and planning section as I was researching further within my topic. It seems Facebook is focus towards the higher educational level, university students. The program allows for networks to be created and only allow the users accepted by the actual developer (profiler). I will go further in detail within that section. Thanks for your input!
Veronica Baca
CRod said
at 12:56 am on Jul 4, 2008
Veronica,
Just a formatting/visual note: I noticed that some of your links are rather lengthy (the ones that end up having % & and random extra letters and numbers). I know in the old pbwiki they offered the option of adding a link and then choosing the link text. I don't know if they do that with this one, but you can go into the link and change the text to a word or phrase. The link will still take the reader to the desired site without cluttering your page. On another note, it's too bad that you were limited to MySpace and Facebook; I'd like to hear more about some SNS that are available for K-12.
Rebecca M. said
at 9:18 pm on Jul 8, 2008
Veronica,
It seems that Facebook has more educational applications than MySpace - do you think that trend will continue? From personal use, Facebook seems more secure than MySpace. What is your experience?
Rebecca
Emily Moore said
at 12:06 am on Jul 10, 2008
Veronica,
Kudos on your experts section--you listed some of the best-reputed rags in the business.
In terms of formatting, my wiki chapter appears to be doing the same thing yours is--extending text beyond the frame, so that the last word or two of every sentence is cut off/unreadable. Don't know if this is due to overlarge images, or the !#@@ wiki formatter, or...?
-Emily
Kerry Bonugli said
at 10:03 pm on Jul 10, 2008
Veronica,
Like Emily, your experts section is pretty comprehensive. I visited the links you have there...very informative. I especially liked TechCrunch. My personal favorite that you might want to include www.engadget.com It's very similar to TechCrunch, but a little more geeky. Good section, good links, informative. As far as formatting goes, I am having problems with this myself.
Dawn Quinn said
at 2:19 pm on Jul 11, 2008
SN - the good, bad, ugly
Good - social networking;
Bad - concerns about defamation and copyright infringement; potential loss of privacy that results from distributing information over the Internet; and,
Ugly - use by sexual predators; ugly consequences of phony profiles.
My college battled, unsuccessfully, to block SNS. My opinion, for what's it's worth - each to their own. I don't use SNS but I'm an avid 2L person. I taught a college writing course using 2L.
Good write-up. My only recommendation is that you filter your content through a good word processor to correct grammar and cleanup syntax.
~ dawn
Dawn Quinn said
at 10:54 pm on Jul 15, 2008
I am now the proud owner of a Ning site. Reading your topic made we look again at social networking and the benefits to team collaborations. This lead me to discover Ning.
Thanks.
~ Dawn
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