Microblogging and Social Networking
The advantages
Tools for microblogging such as Twitter, according to readings and its real usage, are useful and effective means of instant messaging, that allow users to send and receive information through their mobile phones or computers. Directly relating this advantage to language learning, the fact of having to read or write the messages enhances these skills, according to their level because students decide to use what they know to be understood, and consequently, make communication flow. The possibility of this instant communication supports learners who cannot attend classes physically.
The disadvantages
When microblogging, as learners are given the opportunity to actively use the language, they tend to use the language in an appropriate way, using ‘informal’ ways of writing, as if they were communicating orally. As a language teacher, I was taught to write formally, in any situation, always trying to be as accurate as possible, following grammar rules, assuring cohesion and coherence along the writing to come up with a solid product. It is then, the role of teachers or tutors to lead these students/users to improve their writing skills, which in turn make the reading ones be exercised as well (for comprehension).
COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE – CoPs
Usefulness for professional development:
· They offer opportunities to improve performance through passion and engagement.
· Member shared domain, identity and competence through mutual exchanges of experiences and talents, recognized internally (within the community).
· Collective learning through projects, making discoveries, solving common problems, carrying out joint activities, having discussions, reusing assets.
· Offers more possibilities for employment.
· Enriching teaching practices through exchanging innovative methods, activities or tasks.
Usefulness for language learning
“CoPs provide a useful perspective for knowing and learning” (Wenger, 2006).
· Interacting and discussing – orally and in written form- enhancing all language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
· Flexibility for working on its own, and then sharing on the achievement of common goals.
· Identifying own strengths and weaknesses based on peers’ feedback.
After exploring some CoPs, I am interested in joining ‘Webheads in action” in a soon future. I liked the theme song; its lyrics summarize the mission and purposes. It is indeed a good opportunity to exchange knowledge, and I felt the 'human' side when exploring it. Time should be devoted to explore other different CoPs to find the most appropriate according to the specific job and goals, or why not, to actively belong to more than one.
Roles of students and teachers in a CoP:
When belonging to a CoP, participants are faced to both: teaching and learning. Teachers are able to learn and take the most of what serves them through a CoP to apply it, or teach it to their students, including other professionals’ experiences and methodologies. Students, in turn, learn but also teach their tutors better ways to direct their knowledge and resources CoPs and other sources offer, to make the learning process more meaningful and profitable. Learners can also collaborate, as you say, helping their peers to cope with the demands this enriching activity would bring.
In sum, CoPs are a good opportunity for people to grow as professionals and learners, and going back to the ‘collaborative’ aspect, I want to mention McDermott’s view: “A ‘CoP’ or community of practice is a group of people who share knowledge, learn together and create common practices. Communities of practice share information, insights, experience and tools about an area of common interest.” (McDermott, 2002). In teaching and learning, we are constantly sharing, learning (I am sorry for being redundant), and creating…
References
Etienne, W. (2006). Communities of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm
Wenger, E; Dermott, R; & Snyder, W. (2002). Cultivating Communities of Practice: a guide to managing knowledge. Harvard Business School Press: USA. Retrieved May 23rd, 2010 from http://tiny.cc/5m7et
