Connection Between Social Media and Life

One of my favorite sessions to lead with other teachers or those involved in ministry roles is Technology Trends Teachers Need to Know (replacing the word "teachers" with "pastors", "DCEs", or "church members" for whatever group is my audience). I enjoy sharing this session with other professionals because this is never the same presentation twice. Technology, education, life, and culture are changing so quickly that this session never becomes stale and I am forced to stay current by reading, blogging, and researching.

In this research, I came across a blog post by Lisa Nielsen at The Innovative Educator. Ms. Nielsen analyzed the findings of a recent report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project. This research project showed that, in the words of Ms. Nielsen, "Note only do social networks fail to retard offline growth, they actually help users develop connections and form stronger relationships in the real world." (Read Ms. Nielsen's full summary and blog post here.) These findings run counter to common criticisms about social media -- counter to the claims that social media turns people into antisocial entities, disconnected from real relationships with people.

These findings prompt some new questions for all of us in education, but especially those of us connected with churches and ministries.

• How does this research inform our work with students in the way we design curricular lessons and activities?
• How does this research inform our interactions with school families and church members?

I would love to post your answers to these two questions. Please share your thoughts as a comment to this blog.