Future of Technology & Social Media in Education

Social Media plays a huge part of teens' and tweens' lives but can it be integrated into classrooms and be a functional part of students' education? A friend that teaches Earth Science in a NYC inner city school advised me that it already is! Teachers tweet classroom assignments all the time and share Google docs (documents) with other teachers to create a more cohesive and supportive work environment. Pure genius, in my opinion!  A cousin that resides in NYC attends the prestigious, Packer Collegiate Institute where he faithfully totes his laptop to every class.
According to Packer Collegiate Institute’s Facebook page, “…technology strengthens our vibrant and reflective learning community. Packer's laptop program is of note as the institution claims itself to be a ‘laptop school where technology is woven seamlessly into the curriculum at all levels.’" Unknown, Author. (n.d.). Packer Collegiate Institute, Facebook. In Description, Technology. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Packer-Collegiate-Institute/113922545285303?v=desc.
All the teachers assign homework online and technology is clearly vital to these students’ daily lives.
The Age of Social Media is here and educators today must discover the important role it plays and can play in any students’ education. A recent PRNewswire article,” McGraw-Hill Brings Together Social Media and Education Experts to Discuss the Future of Social Media in Higher Education” reveals excellent areas that education can improve on student learning.  McGraw-Hill Education. (February 11, 2010). PR Newswire. “McGraw-Hill Brings Together Social Media and Education Experts to Discuss the Future of Social Media in Higher Education”. Retrieved August 6, 2010, from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcgraw-hill-brings-together-social-media-and-education-experts-to-discuss-the-future-of-social-media-in-higher-education-84142182.html.