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 * Group A:** Workspace: 6-A-1: Social Networking and it's Importance for Successful Informal Learning

List the reasons why Group A thinks social networking is important for successful informal learning:

1. Encourages collaboration (Mary F.)

2. The best way to reach a student is to incorporate learning by using something that they like and are interested in. If you can work a learning experience into a social networking you will not only gain, but keep the attention of the net generation learner. Social networking appeals to the new learning atyles of these learners. They are all hands-on learners. They want to be involved in the creation of things. The Web 2.0 is just that; people interacting with the internet by addiing and changing content. Social Newtorking is just that.(Jenette B)

3. Students from different classes, teams or schools can share information, research, photos, or comments about any given topic. We are not limited to only the ideas within our class, but instead we are open to ideas all around us, from other cultures, neighborhoods, and schools. This can expand our point of view and open us up to ideas we never knew about before. As a follow-up, a student may take one of the ideas that is shared and decide to further research it using Google. This will extend the informal learning for that student. (Stacy C.)

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4. Instant messaging and other social networking arenas allow users to chat in real time exchanging information informally. Members are able to "reach out to a geographically dispersed team and have a conversation or work on a problem with ease and quickness not available with other types of communication.". Learning and the passage of information takes place much more quickly and efficiently and gamers feel both comfortable and confident navigating this medium. Social networking is a valuable tool for the exchange of ideas and information for participants anywhere in the world. In addition chat logs are are saved right on the computer for future access. In addition the use of wikis and blogs enables participants to post information to a centrally located web page and they can be updated and edited by subscribing users from any computer. Social networking offers a significant opportunity for informal learning and can be extremely valuable. (Jenny C.)======

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5. Social networking is important for successful informal learning because it allows a learner to access information that they are interested in. According to //Gadgets, Games, and Gizmos for Leanrning,// informal learning "occurs any time two or more people exchange ideas, test concepts, or think through processes. Instant messaging is a tool that allows people to communicate with one another right away, see who's online, and who is checking their messages. IM a great informal learning system that allows users to think and exchange ideas in real time. Blogging, Wiki, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter are all examples of social networks that allow the user or gamer to access all different types of information directly from someone or something else. If the user is interested in a certain subject or needs certain information, social networks are a great way to access that information. (Brianna V.)======

6. Social networking aids in successful informal learning because it is a tool that connects learning beyond the classroom. In the past, students were only able to access information within the confines of the school building. A student may turn to a classmate to ask a question, if the student knew the answer, informal learning would occur. If the student did not know the answer, the learning would have stopped there. Because of social networking tools, students can look beyond the school for answers. Informal learning is occurring between students and experts in their fields. If a students interest is piqued, he or she may choose to conduct further research. Social networking is opening doors for informal learning that were once closed doors. (Tara G.)