Journal 2

Social networking for the K-12 set. Klein, J. (2008) Learning & leading with technology, 35 (5), 25-26

This article describes the implementation and uses of a set of social networking applications in the SUSD (Saugus Union School District) using freely available open-source software. The impetus to design an integrated system across the school district was two-fold:
1. To bring about a move to using up-to-date Web technology to enhance learning, foster better communication, promote collaboration.
2. To implement across the school district a centrally-provided, standardized, resource-rich, integrated network to allow free-flow of information. i.e. to prevent adoption of a disparate, ad-hoc, compartmentalized series of unconnected systems that would be of little benefit.

Such a Student-Teacher information network, or "community sites" are called "Learning Landscapes".

The website for this resource is here:
http://www.saugus.k12.ca.us/home/

The SUSD community websites were developed by IT staff members in the school district, by modifying open-source software for popular Web-based applications for their own specific needs. The community pages are viewable to the public, but only members of the community can create content. Access is controlled to teacher-specific areas and student-specific areas.
Some tools used are: User profiles (basic information on teachers, students, with different levels of access); blogging tools; file storage and sharing, RSS; podcasting.

Essentially, the school district has created an internal Web 2.0, specific for their own needs.

Questions/Answers:
1. Does this technology enhance learning for students? It should teach all students the benefits of the Web 2.0 technologies as well as enabling sharing of information and ideas on individual school subjects across school campuses.
2. How would the teachers benefit from these tools? Allows sharing of ideas on lesson planning, provides a repository for subject specific content. It saves re-inventing the wheel on lesson planning.