I disagree that students already use a variety of technologies to create their own 'learning' networks. The emphasis for them is social, and from what I've seen of most Facebook and Bebo pages, there's a lot of absolute rubbish talked, and a lot of show/bling with no substance. Likewise with the inane texting conversations that go backwards and forwards. They may feel connected and think they have lots of friends with these networks, but how can anyone call these 'learning networks'?

Schools should definitely be reaching out beyond their walls; teachers simply can't be the experts on everything. So, access to experts elsewhere, and the ability to learn skills from others around the world can open up so many doors. It would also promote a greater tolerance and understanding of other cultures.

Actually, I wonder if the statements saying that students are already familiar with so many of these tools are an exageration. Few of the students I work with are! So, where are these students? I have three of them at home, but I believe that most students 'out there' know little about the tools available or how to use them.