Social Networking and the Composition Classroom: Why?

Why do instructors who teach writing at a distance need to know about the ins, outs, ups, and downs of social networking?

Because its the future would be my quick answer. Truthfully, social networking provides what many writing instructors search for: practical writing experience. Social networking gives students an audience to be aware of as well as a way to work on constructing their ethos. As a writing instructor who has used social networking sites in the classroom, I see that there is great potential there. My worry is that the opportunity to meet students where they are and to give them practical experience with rhetoric will be overlooked.

Another reason social media is a perfect partner or tool for the online writing classroom is that it can help in community building. Giving students a place to create, build, or take part in a Facebook group or a special hash tag on Twitter. These exclusive clubs help with building an online community that may even continue after the course has ended.

There are many benefits to social media and composition. The online writing environment is a good place for these to meet. The Maranto and Barton article about social networking is a good start for anyone who teaches writing at a distance that may want to venture into using social networking to build community or fun writing practice.