Questions about Facebook...

Image from facebook.com

Gill recently wrote an interesting post titled "What have I done..." about her decision to commit facebook suicide after considering some of the disconcerting privacy issues.  Her posting definitely got me thinking.  I am an avid facebook user myself and find it a great way to stay connected with people. However, sometimes I find myself wondering what facebook does with my pictures, who can view my photos, and whether I waste to much time on facebook.  

Several friends have told me before that once you upload pictures, facebook owns all the rights to those photos.  What does facebook do with the pictures?  Do I really want to give away my pictures for free to some large company?  Or does it really matter?  

I also wonder who can access my photos.  I have a setting that only allows friends to view my pictures.  However, I was speaking to a distant acquaintance who commented on how lovely my wedding pictures were.  They were not on my friend list on facebook so how did they view my pictures?  Also, when other people upload pictures of me, who can access to those photos?  Should I really care who views my pictures?  

In addition to these issues how much time do I waste on facebook... I too am guilty of browsing through endless pictures.  Its interesting to see what people are up to, but is it really time well spent?  

Also, facebook makes it super easy to connect with people.  Is it too easy?  I have a friend who decided that if someone actually cared about their birthday or getting together they would call or email them. They felt that facebook makes it so easy to communicate that it is less meaningful.   

Despite all my questions, I am not quite ready to give up facebook.  I really appreciate being connected to friends and family, sharing pictures at ease, and staying updated on who is doing what.  

well, I better go check my facebook now...  ;) 

Facebook by Mike Stimpson CC

Why Technology is Important in Todays Classroom...

Monday's lecture had some great points on why technology is important in education.  I have come up with a list of reasons why I think technology is important: 


- It is a great way to engage learners
- It is something students are growing up with (cellphones, video games, computers, television etc.)
- It can help address multiple intelligences (computers provide, visuals, spoken, and written forms of information, Smartboards are great for kinaesthetic learners).  
- Computer programs can allow students to work at their own pace and level
- Computer skills are becoming extremely necessary in today's world.
- Using computer programs to create graphs, lesson plans etc. can save teachers and students time
- The Internet provides access to information at a global level.
- With a computer you can learn just about anything you are interested in (eHow, YouTube etc.)  
- Blogs, Glogs, or websites can be excellent communication tools for sharing students work and activities with  family, peers, and other classes around the world  
- Assistive technology can help students with special needs 
- Online spaces can help to create a community of learners allowing students to share, comment, and edit each others' work.  
- Online software such as Google Docs, Springnote, or Wallwisher make collaboration that much easier.  


... Anything else?

image from www.1clipart.com