Using tools such as the social-network-creation site Ning, teachers can easily develop their own networks, Mosea says. "It is better to create your own," he argues. "If a teacher creates his or her own network, students will post as if their teacher is watching them, and they'll tend to be more safe.
"You can build social networks around the curriculum," Mosea adds, "so you can use them as a teaching resource or another tool." An online social network is another tool -- but it's a tool with an advantage: It wasn't just imposed by teachers; the students have chosen it.
Paul Beaufait on 25 Feb 12In an adaption of Ch. 1 from one of his books, Larry Ferlazzo focused on intrinsic motivation, and suggested, for example,"People are more motivated and confident when they feel they have more control over their environment. Inviting students to have a voice in classroom decisions-where they sit, what day a test takes place, in what order units are studied, or even where a plant should be placed in the classroom-can help them develop that greater sense of control" (Creating Opportunities for Students to Help Make Decisions, para. 1).
