the desire to get involved and to learn at the tips of your fingers....

An important part of the classroom education is not just the cognitive growth that a student experiences but also the emotional and social development that occurs in the life of a student. One concern of those who are not supportive of the digital learning environment is that students will not be able to grow in these areas. This week USA Today online published an article regarding the rise of youth volunteerism which is due to the use of the Internet. Through sites such as Myspace and Facebook, students are able to rally support for causes and create bonds with other students having the same concerns. Social networking has not only allowed students to connect with others, but has created an arena for political activism and citizenship action.

As a social studies teacher who longs for students to understand the past in the present, I think such an increase in activism and volunteerism is an excellent method for students to learn about history. Students who are taking a stand are having to learn about the political arena in which they are standing. They have to research the global situation and they learn the global players. They are not only able to identify representatives, but they are contacting political leaders. Students are learning geography of other nations and areas as they are taking a stand. "Robert Rhoads, who teaches a class on the history of student activism at the University of California, Los Angeles. "There's a greater political consciousness among students," he says. "The Internet has played a role in that."'(Koch, 2008) Unlike the 1960s when American students would take protests to the streets the students of today are taken protesting through the written word as was done in the 1770s when the colonies stood against Britain. Volunteering to make a change has been sparked through internet interest groups as students take what they have learned and put it in action. Jeff Berman, Myspace's executive vice president for marketing states that this change that is being seen as volunteerism and activism rises amongst the youth of the country "is all part of the democratization of the world that the Internet offers."(Koch, 2008)

As virtual schooling increases, I truly believe that the connection to student activism will increase student interest in the subject area of social studies and will benefit both our students and our nation. While students are becoming involved in volunteer projects, fundraising, and lobbying they are also growing emotionally and socially as they connect with others who have the same concerns. Chat rooms and forums are filled by students who are discussing how they can change the world. Those who are nonsupporting of the online educational process should review the conversations that are taking place amongst online students that are student lead and examine the rise in youth activism as students are seeking change and realize the benefit of the Internet in the educational process for social networking and growth.

Koch, W (2008, March, 12). Internet spurs upswing in volunteerism. USA Today, Retrieved March 14, 2008, from http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-03-12-youthactivism_N.htm