Newsgroups in the Classroom

Much like any other technology, using online discussion boards requires a learned set of skills, a lot of patience, and just a bit of luck when it comes to finding the right group, or creating your own.  I had no idea what the Usenet was a few hours ago, and even when I began looking into it more in-depthly, it took me a while to figure out this is not a physical group, but rather a concept that encompasses groups, discussion boards, and email forums on the Internet.  Because this is new to me, it was a bit trying for me to grasp the concept, and I had to really jump full-on into my investigations of Google Groups and Yahoo! Groups before I finally understood.  I think that, as students in this generation, we are often a step ahead of ourselves - we have to be, to try and keep up with the constant creation of newer and better technologies and systems of learning.  Of course I know what a discussion board is, how to put my two cents' worth into a forum, and where to find a Google Group.  But what I was missing was the all-encompassing aspect of this technology, and just how widespread it is, on the Internet.

I believe that groups could certainly serve a purpose in the classroom.  Much like we use BlackBoard, WebCT, and Moodle, creating a group for a class certainly allows the teacher to share resources and information with his or her students.  Whether this is links to various webpages, notes on a class topic, or reminders of quizzes, assignments, and projects, this is an invaluable resource.  Students are able to create an online connection with their teacher, and I believe that, by using a form of technology to communicate, students are much more likely to "get it", or to check their classroom discussion board.  I'm sure we can all admit to sitting down to a computer several times per day, to check e-mails, go on Facebook, search Google, or look up YouTube videos.  If students have an online resource that provides necessary information for a class, how easy is it for them to click a link on their bookmark bar, and quickly remind themselves of that test they need to study for, or that assignment that needs to be finished?  This all occurs in the snap of a finger…or really, the click of a mouse.

Moreover from this, students are also able to utilize groups when it comes to activities and assignments themselves.  Students could take part in an online debate for their social studies class, with a partner, via a discussion board.  A group could be created for students to post  and solve math problems, word puzzles, or riddles.  Students could post useful links for their fellow classmates to use in a research project.  These posts also give students the ability to link to online presentation sites, blogs, videos, and wikis.  Finally, students would be given the window of opportunity to collaborate with other students anywhere in the world (with an Internet connection).  Students could learn about the culture, beliefs, values, economic and social systems, and climate/environment of another nation from another student just like themselves, while exchanging information about their own nation.

The possibilities are truly endless for the use of such a technology in the classroom. While there are only a few drawbacks, I do believe they are important to touch on.  One of the biggest issues with using groups online is the fact that they are open to anyone.  Students would have to be discrete in posting any private information.  Teachers would be on the lookout for individuals joining the groups who are not students of theirs.  While some newsgroup sites do offer a "Request to Join" link, which requires individuals to be approved by the group creator, many are open to the public, certainly for viewing, if not for contributing as well.  In this case, censorship also comes into play.  In an open group, who is to stop someone from posting inappropriate links into a discussion board for students to find by mistake?  What blocks viruses and spammers from infiltrating the group?  I believe the issues of Internet security should always be at the forefront of any online student activity, as the risks are real, and it is difficult to ensure a sites' safety.  Is this any reason not to use newsgroups to their full potential?  Absolutely not!  But, students and teachers alike should be sure to proceed with caution, and use common sense when it comes to working online.


http://www.groups.yahoo.com

http://www.groups.google.com