UK Says: Social Networking Offers Learning Opportunities

A government-funded body in the UK just released a report claiming that schools that block access to social networking sites are missing out on a multi-faceted educational opportunity. From better understanding kids and how they use technology, to interacting with them in a comfortable place, to using the innate capabilities of social networking to encourage collaboration and teamwork--there is a lot of good to be had via social networking sites.

The report was done for Childnet International, and funded by Becta, the government body for technology in learning.

"...[I]t's vital that all of us really take the time to understand the way students are using the latest technology, the various features of these new services, and appreciate how these new tools can aid good social interaction and learning," says Says Stephen Carrick-Davies, the chief executive of Childnet International.

I, for one, wholeheartedly agree.