Digital social networking : implications for education

Social networking in education continues to be a controversial topic, with debatable benefits for learning. There is persistent confusion about this due to social networking's dual purposes: formal education and private entertainment. But the impact of self-directed learning using online services is equally important as formal learning. The use of social networking in education, coupled with face-to-face engagement, can enable greater inclusiveness for learners, although the role of teachers needs to be well supported to develop successful digital pedagogies. Research indicates that the learning gains from using social networking in education are significant and so courses about how to use these technologies effectively are important in teacher education. Most people are already prolific Internet users, although the skills for maximising social networking for learning have yet to be realised.