Online technologies allow for asynchronous, delocalized
collaboration. This not only means your students can avoid those
awkward group meetings where one person never shows up, but it
also means that you can have direct evidence of which students
are contributing the group’s efforts. Fellow teachers often find
it “unusual” that I would recommend Facebook as a teaching tool.
However, the factors which make Facebook such a popular (and
powerful) tool for social media can also make it a highly
effective means of fostering interaction among your students –
so long as you mind your privacy settings. Or, for a step-by-
step guide to setting up a group, go straight to the WikiHow.com
guide: Creating Your Facebook Group. by Ryan Edel Writing is
about communication. Regardless of technology – whether you’re
speaking to the group or sending out an e-mail – you need to set
an example for your students. E-mails, in particular, offer a
good example of how to start. A discussion board is a great way
to maintain open lines o