If schools can let go of the Ivory Tower mentality, we’ve got a shot.

I wrote about the use of social networks in September (http://vvrotny.org/2008/09/12/rethinking-our-admissions-processes/). Yes, we at schools need to rethink how we are using them.

You are correct in your assertion that if we begin to use and assign the types of networks that adolescents are using, that they will scurry away like rats in the daylight, sneaking through the cracks to the next thing, a space that is not occupied by adults. This is only natural, as we did the same thing when we were young. The difference is that our movements were done in social spaces.

Allen Taylor

After the initial recognition of the need to engage with social media, perhaps the most important thing for schools to realize is that you can’t look at any one technology as a silver bullet – as you (and Antonio) put so well. Just as sure as Facebook is “now” something else will come along and be “next.” And that just may be where the younger demographic will head sooner rather than later. Schools will have to stay current with the trends so that they aren’t playing catch up. I know, that is asking a lot… hopefully people like you will be able to help keep that message front and center!

You raise another very interesting issue about just what to do about co-mingling in a social network with students. I would love to hear your thoughts about that some time!