Week 4 prompt

I was posed with the question; "How do we capture the spirit of open, networked, and participatory communities in our learning environments?" for this weeks blog prompt. Never have I ever had to think about an answer for this long. I spent a few days trying to understand it and even looking up and asking what others thought. After all that is when I tried to form my own opinion.
Here we go:
It is important that teachers in today's society and in the generations to come integrate social media as a large part of not only their curriculum but also as who they are. The generation now and the generations to come are not like those in the 1900's and early 2000's. The internet and technology has proved to be an important and fast growing aspect of people's lives. There are many "how to" videos on Youtube. As well as the videos there are also informative blogs or websites that offer up an abundance of information circulated around a particular subject. These sites are used to give knowledge and enlighten people on many different things that they may be, either misinformed or just ignorant to. Many people are establishing themselves and their identities on sites such as twitter, facebook and instagram. With these sites a persons every moment is being documented either through statuses or through pictures. Somethings both.
With that being said...it is obvious to say that the internet is a very powerful resource. And as Uncle Ben once said, from my favorite movie Spider-man, "Remember, with great power. comes great responsibility."  As we grow and expand our knowledge to include the internet and all that it offers we must remember that the things that we say and post will effect our lives in great or terrible ways. Many bosses or employers use the internet and social media sites as ways to check up on who they are wanting to hire. Take this picture for example:

Because she could not control herself on her facebook her boss fired her.
In order to create and open environment that welcomes all to participate we must be informative to those who use social media. Have a lecture or two to teach children and young adults about the safety precautions of using the internet and social media sites. Teachers must lead their students and set a good example on how to publicly act not only on the computer but in person as well. Do not be afraid to use social media to connect with your students. Do not be afraid to use them in classes and promote them as well.
When used correctly the internet can home some of the most life changing sites and organizations.

 These organizations use the internet to invite people in to become a community. They reach out and teach and provide through the internet. Students and young adults need to learn how to participate in this.