Benefiting from Effective Social Networks

Steve Hargadon, the developer of Classroom 2.0 Ning site, wrote an article titled Some Things I’ve Learned About Building Effective Social Networks. In this article he shares six themes that came from a group discussion at an Educon 2.1 conference. The following points grabbed my attention.
In creating a social network for my work experience students what I am really offering is a chance for them to participate. Creating a forum for them to interact is needed for we never meet as a class. The students never have a chance to share what is happening on their job, in school and at home. Unless I connect with them at school, usually to do a credit check to make sure they are on track for graduation, I won’t find out that they lost their job, the business is closing or that their hours were cut. I may not hear that Safeway is hiring and Food City is closing. The students who are losing their job at Food City would greatly benefit from learning that Safeway is hiring. Creating a forum where the students could easily and comfortably share information would be invaluable. Social networks change how we think about sharing and discussing things with others. It is a tool that helps conversation take place.
Hargadon makes the point that social networks need to provide an environment where others can function and be seen as leaders. What a great way to promote self worth and a sense of community among my juniors and seniors who attend classes and then work. Many of them feel left and lonely because they do not have time to attend games, parties and other social events. I believe they would be encouraged from hearing that other classmates are experiencing feelings of loneliness, stress from being responsible for paying the utility bills and going to the food shelter so the parents and younger siblings can continue to have hot water, heat and dinner.
Effective social networks promote collaboration. Once the students feel comfortable sharing information, thoughts, feelings, needs and suggestions in one area of their life (work experience) perhaps they will then be more open to collaboration in other areas such as working with coworkers to come up with suggestions on how to be more efficient, save money, save time, be more customer oriented. Participation and interaction in an effective social network can promote collaboration and leadership skills that will then be used in social and work settings.