Tech+Tools+Investigation+Three

== = Facebook =

What is it?
Everyone pretty much knows about Facebook at this point, but for those two or three that might not know, Facebook is a social networking site where you can search for friends, send them messages, tag them in pictures, invite them to play games, join groups, and support causes. It is a great way to catch up with old friends that you haven't seen or talked to in years.

What can we do with it?
This site is a GEM for teachers. There are a plethora of ways you can use it as a teacher, including, but not limited to: understanding why students are misbehaving based on their interactions with other students or status updates, reminding them of when homework is due through your status updates, online chats about assignments, a class "group" page where students can find homework and examples, and posting class pictures and recorded lessons for them to review. The possibility for relating to some students who you are unable to connect with in class also exists. Many students find solace online from the stresses of home or infavorable social atmosphere at school. Interacting with them in a space that they feel comfortable will increase the chances of them building a relationship with you in class, creating a more positive learning environment for that student (and for others if they act out because of frustration from other parts of their life). I highly recommend every teacher have and utilize Facebook as an instructional tool.