Network.pdf

School principals and educators view social networking as a valuable tool in education for sharing information, creating professional learning communities, and improving school-wide communications. Most principals believe social networking has value in education, and those who have used it are more positive about its benefits. Educators prefer joining social networking sites dedicated to education, and exposure to this technology is necessary to develop advocates for its effective integration with instruction. Principals report that students are interested and comfortable with social networking, but educator use and comfort level with integrating Web 2.0 technologies with instruction vary. Younger educators and those with children who use social networking are more likely to be comfortable with the technology, and professional development is needed to expose teachers to social networking and provide models of exemplary instructional applications. Principals use social networking to share ideas and solutions with other education professionals and believe it is valuable for sharing professional knowledge and stimulating greater professional communication and collaboration.