Building Effective Social Networks

After reading the Steve Hargadon's article, I came away with some ideas to help build a successful network. Foremost, the network must fulfill a need for its participants. A network where my math students could discuss ideas they heard in class, help each other prep for standardized tests, just get to know each other and develop a community would fulfill needs for high school students. Most high school students are familiar with social networking from their Facebook or MySpace experiences. To be able to tie social networking to their math class could engage some students who otherwise might not find the subject motivating. The article emphasized the idea that engagement is the key to a successful network and that early adopters can propel a network. To this end, since my students have probably more experience with social networking than I, it would be good to get their input on what things they would like to see in the network. Being able to foster some leaders in the class who would participate in the network by sharing and posting would also help develop the network. Making sure that I keep to my role as facilitator rather than trying to manage the network will also help. The math network would provide a place where my students could collaborate with each other in a way that may not be available during classtime. Setting boundaries and expectations as to appropriate posting behavior in the network is also an important part of developing a successful network.