This is an interesting article from a recent journal issue, that traces the history leading up to Personal Learning Networks (PLN). The article gives a couple key case studies, which are held up for their effective integration of key functions on each platform, into the structure and goals of traditional classrooms:
“One of the powerful aspects of social networking and the
social media platforms that support these activities is that
when integrated into effective classroom models, they can
work together to help facilitate a sustained ecological change
in classrooms, helping to raise standards, professionalise
teachers, and motivate students by enabling a viable, highquality education that is not just aimed at promoting high standards in classrooms but also helping to increase levels of
attendance and participation in school activities.”
This article also sees a potential redemocraticizing effect, wherein power is returned to teachers via the grassroot side effects of things like TeachMeets, etc.
Wallace, A. (2013, September). Social learning platforms and the flipped classroom. In 2013 Second International Conference on E-Learning and E-Technologies in Education (ICEEE) (pp. 198-200). IEEE.
Dottore Mark 