I was reading archived articles in a blog and found a report from YALSA on the positives of Social Networking! Down around page 6 (of this 23 page report) I found this:
I recommended tailoring school assignments to incorporate new technologies. Instead of a traditional 5 paragraph biography report, have middle or high school students create a MySpace style page for an artist, writer, scientist, etc. What would Honest Abe's page look like? Who would be in his friends list? What kind of music was popular in his era? What were his interests? What would his blog of daily life look like? And, of course, sources for all info would have to be cited, and music and photos and quotes would have to be used in accordance with fair use... such an assignment would meet our teens where they are and create an opportunity to discuss "what does it mean to have someone on your friends list?" and "how does one obtain permission to add a song or photo?" and "what measures could Abe take if he didn't want to be found in this directory?"
What a fun project this would be!! And how much more enjoyable for the students (and the teacher!!) to do and read!
Young Adult Library Services Association
A Division of the American Library Association
yalsa@ala.org - 800-545-2433 x 4390 - www.ala.org/yalsa
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