Analogy
Not sure if it works, really, but it's been stuck in my mind:
Facebook : social software :: the diamond journey pendant : jewelry.
Both are very popular but not anything special. I realize Facebook has a lot of fans, but I must just not get it, or something. It doesn't seem to have the potential for cleverness, spontaneity, or appropriation that a space like FARK does. The architecture is too "Select which action you want to do!" and predetermined. "Oooh, I could throw a cake at someone, or I could make meatpie of someone, or spit game at someone!" Facebook, to me, is like a feeble translation of an online community for those who have no idea what online communities are. Or have I not given Facebook enough of a chance?
Comments
This is interesting to me
This is interesting to me because I've been thinking about checking out facebook just because so many of the students use it. I had a colleague who presented on bringing facebook into the writing classroom. My perception is that it is a very userfriendly environment like myspace and that it's more useful for novices, but like I said, I haven't really taken a look.
- Michelle
Facebook
2 Board Alley
Facebook is silly, mindless fun--at least, that's how I've used it. During midterm conferences, when my students seemed to be having too much time on their hands, I had them work in groups and find out which facebook education apps were useful, and then write a paragraph arguing for or against using FB in class. They came up with some excellent ideas that I'm going to compile and post on my teaching blog.
As far as my use goes, it's kind of like a pub where I can go to let off steam, throw a sheep, play Scrabulous and be silly (no problem there!).