Social Networking and Collaboration, article writing assignment help

This topic is about the impact of social networking on the use of technology for collaboration in the schools.

Question: analyzing trends in social networking of different generational groups. Predictions based upon trends are provided. Trends and predictions are supported with current research(attached article). 750 words TII below 10%.

My Notes:

The Boomer/Gamer Gap

Another issue that must
be considered in any discussion of social networking is the particular
demographics of users. There are two main groups of users: “boomers”
and “gamers.” Boomers consist of older individuals who do not
naturally interact with technology. Some have used the term technological
immigrants − meaning individuals who have lived both with and without
technological applications to everyday activities (Kapp, 2005). Social
networking is often considered as a separate activity that must be deliberately
entered into. While boomers are not naturally fluent or tied to technology,
they have a high level of knowledge that is vital in the field. Conversely,
younger individuals (gamers) have a lower level of content specific knowledge,
but possess an entirely different subset of skills, focus, and learning style
(Kapp, 2005). For these technology “natives,” social networking
activities are a natural part of everyday life and are often seamlessly
integrated into all aspects of daily interactions.

The paradox comes in
trying to transfer the vast, vital store of knowledge from one group to
another. In addition, boomers must assimilate not just the technological skills
of the gamers, but perhaps, more importantly, they must assimilate the mindset
of making technology work in every aspect of life (Kapp, 2005). When it comes
to collaborative work through social networking, is it possible to bring
together these two disparate groups − one to share their knowledge and another
to apply the technology?

A chart in an article by
Hempel (2007) examines the social networking participation level of seven
generational groups (young teens through seniors), characterized by type of
technological interactions. The table classifies technology users (What
People are Doing) as:

Creators − Those who
create digital media, such as blogs, etc., and those who contribute to the
mutual sharing by uploading content for dissemination. Not surprisingly,
creators are typically young people who have grown up not just observing the
Web, but shaping it. The percent of participation (Who Participates) is
best read from the table.

Critics − These are
individuals who don’t necessarily create content, but instead analyze and/or
comment on it. Critics incorporate a slightly older population who are unafraid
to provide ratings, rationale, and other insights. The percent of participation
(Who Participates) is best read from the table.

Collectors − While
individuals in this category do not typically create or add to the digital
work, they are involved in a more observational fashion. They do not generate
information or content, but instead gather and collect it for their own use.
Collectors tend to be scattered throughout the age brackets since most people
use technology in one form or another to find answers and gather input. The
percent of participation (Who Participates) is best read from the table.

Joiners − Joiners
are users of social networking technology. Again the frequency of use is
clustered, but this time, more in the middle of the age groups, indicating that
social networks are well-established and used among young professionals. The
percent of participation (Who Participates) is best read from the table.

Spectators − These
individuals are participants in technological activities from an outsider’s
perspective. While they may have familiarity, infrequency of interaction, and
expertise in accessing content, they are most frequently observing, not
interacting. The percent of participation (Who Participates) is best read
from the table.

Inactives − These
people are online, but they don’t yet participant in any form of social media.
The percent of participation (Who Participates) is best read from the table.