Cathy's MySpace reflection

Garcia, A. (2008). Rethinking myspace: Using social networking tools to connect with students. Rethinking Schools, 22, 27-29.

A high school teacher, Antero Garcia, who teaches in Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, wrote this article about his experience in using MySpace as a technological tool. Garcia found many positives about the use of MySpace, one of them being his connection to the students. Through the network positive aspects revealed themselves, one being able to find out about homework and another fuller participation by the diverse group of students themselves.

I can see this type of technology use working well with students, especially the older students like in upper elementary to high school students. I was wondering, however, about how a teacher would find time to read and respond to comments or questions dealing with a large group of students, especially a teacher working under a tight schedule. The other thing running in the back of my mind is whether MySpace is available to the outside world. I remember hearing about virus and computer crashes due to MySpace connection.