Social+Networking+Simulations

= **Social Networking Simulations** =

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**Definition/Summary:**
A social networking simulation is a website that gives the appearance of a large, well established social networking site like [|Facebook] or [|MySpace] , but whose personal profiles Social Networks  are imaginary. Unlike standard social networking sites, social networking simulations are used primarily for educational purposes, and allow teachers and students to create imaginary profiles of important historical figures for learning purposes. Students and teachers create profiles of a particular historical figure. These figures then interact with one another, becoming "friends," and posting on each others "walls" much like a regular social network. The goal of social network simulation is to give students and teachers the authentic look and feel of a social networking site while at the same time, allowing them to explore the lives of important figures and events. One such site, fakebook, gives the look and feel of Facebook, and is geared toward the study of history.

**History/Background:**
A **social network** is a [|social structure] made up of individuals (or organizations) called "nodes", which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of [|interdependency], such as friendship, kinship, common interest,, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or prestige. When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These websites are known as social sites. Social networking websites function like an online community of internet users. Depending on the website in question, many of these online community members share common interests in hobbies, religion, or politics. Once you are granted access to a social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even contacting them.  This newer generation of social networking sites began to flourish with the emergence of [|SixDegrees.com] in 1997, followed by [|Makeoutclub] in 2000 , [|Friendster] in 2002 and soon became part of the Internet mainstream. Friendster was followed by [|MySpace] and [|LinkedIn] a year later, and finally, [|Bebo]. Attesting to the rapid increase in social networking sites' popularity, by 2005, [|MySpace] was reportedly getting more page views than [|Google]. [|Facebook], launched in 2004, has since become the largest social networking site in the world. Today, it is estimated that there are now over 200 active sites using a wide variety of social networking models.[// [|citation needed] //] May 2011: Based on TNS research, the global average of people who access social networking sites accounts daily is 46 percent.

Social Networks In Classrooms:
  Social networking websites, such as MySpace and Facebook, have become increasingly popular among adolescents. Parents often worry about their children's use of social networking sites, but educators have found various ways to incorporate these types of sites into their curriculum in meaningful and creative ways. A study done by the University of Minnesota showed that students who already use social networks could benefit from the having it be incorporated into their curriculum. Teachers can use Skype, an internet video conferencing program, to bring experts into the classroom or to collaborate with other students from around the world. Diigo, a social bookmarking tool, can also be used by students to search, bookmark, organize, archive, share, discuss and annotate materials on the Internet. Diigo is also helpful for student project collaboration as well as feedback and conversation between teachers and students. The social networking sites discussed above are only a few from a list of many, many more These sites give social networking a new, positive reputation in the world of education

 **Controversies:**The use of social networks is widespread among teenagers, but social networks have also garnered controversy by being an easy medium for bullying and inappropriate behavior. Consequences may be administered after the fact, but sometimes the damage has already been done. With little ability to regulate, schools try to be cautious about the use of social networks.

Additional Online Resources:
 []  [] /  [] <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"> [] [| http://www.edutopia.org/my-school-meet-myspace] <span style="background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"> [] [] [] [] [|http://www.diigo.com]