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Social Networking for the Little Guy

A new, free offering from Google allows small web sites to easily add social networking features. Google Friends Connect is not as simple as sliding an icon, but it is relatively simple. Users check off options, such as user registration, invitations, members gallery, message posting, reviews, color preferences and third-party applications built by the OpenSocial developer community. A click then generates code that can be clipped and inserted into a web site.

That would, in theory, allow students to invite friends and relatives into a discussion on a class web site. It could, in theory, also open the gate to inappropriate comments and commentators. Taking the optimistic road, however, the tool has value in quickly networking expert resources for the topic at hand. It could also create an opportunity to teach students how to wisely manage social networking.

The tools are new and still enduring some growing pains. More social gadgets will be developed in the future.

Source: Google Press Release, Previewing Google Friend Connect: Website owners can make any site social
Friend Connect Site.

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Beyond the basics, students will need 21st century competencies to survive and thrive in the future. They will have to know how to think critically, apply knowledge to new situations, analyze information, understand new ideas, communicate effectively, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. School districts are looking for ways to help students acquire these new skills while they also address NCLB mandates.

This 21st Century Connections site links students, teachers and administrators to the latest resources, creative tools and educational leaders behind digital learning. Provided by Lenovo, Adobe, Intel and Futurekids, the site is hosted by Technology & Learning, NewBay Media.

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