Research+A


 * //What are the issues involved with using social networks for professional development in the workplace?//**

Please feel free to make changes to the table - regards Denise
 * Pros ||  || Cons ||


 * Generally most social networks are free to set up for business Eg Facebook, Secoond Life ||  || Expensive for extra features like advertising for jobs Eg LinkIn ||


 * Maintain a large pool of teacher contacts as well as friends in a click of a button without geographical restrictions Eg Facebook ||  || Time wasted at work socialising and using Web2.0 tools ||

Provides resume templates. Eg LinkIn Rates jobs on how close you are to your contacts.Eg LinkIn Research information about desired employment through your contactsEg LinkIn ||  || Can not be anonymous especially if you want to search for employment or ask technical questions you are supposed to know, you need to create a new identity but may lose contacts Eg Facebook?? ||
 * Opportunity to search for employment.


 * Find out professional and personal information about teachers and schools Eg Facebook ||  ||   ||


 * Gain client confidence due to the use of technology and displaying personality ||  || Personal information can expose embarrassing information ||


 * Job related questions can be answered in chat room ||  || Loss of potential clients that lack IT skills who prefer face to face contact ||




 * facebook and second life are reputable and stable social networks ||  ||   ||


 * Photos, videos can be used in Facebook ||  ||   ||



Lois

I think it would depend on the experience the staff members had with social networks. What about those people who as soon as they get in front of a computer start surfing for their own interests, only keeping half an eye or ear on what is going on in the room with other staff members. They have numerous tabs open flicking between their own sites and social networks and what they are supposed to be focussing on. One advantage of social networks would be the ability to talk to other is different time zones and getting feedback instantaneous.