The social networking software that I selected was that of TagDeaf.com. When I think of social networking the first thing that comes to my mind is that of streaming video. That is probably because that was my first exposure to social networking. I went into YouTube to view a video about progress in libraries.
It is usually the social aspect of social networking that is picked up. Social networking suggest sites such as Myspace.com and Facebook. Social networking also has a more serious side. Tagdeaf.com is a great example of how social networking can be used to provide a much needed service in the global community. Tagdeaf.com was launched by Alex Chu In June of 06. It is the first Social Network designed for the deaf community. TagDeaf.com, like all social networks, is designed with the needs of a targeted audience in mind. This particular social network is so special because it is the first, and I believe only, social network designed for a deaf audience. The hearing world often does not understand that the deaf community is a culture all its own. Culture is grounded in language, and people in the deaf community have their own language. It may be assumed that because communication via the Internet does not require the use of speech that it would not be as much of a problem for the deaf community, but truth is that the grammatical rules and syntax for American Sign Language are quite different from that English.
It’s difficult to say whether or not this particular social network would be conducive to a distance education learning environment. It would provide a great reference for studying the needs of the deaf community.
It is usually the social aspect of social networking that is picked up. Social networking suggest sites such as Myspace.com and Facebook. Social networking also has a more serious side. Tagdeaf.com is a great example of how social networking can be used to provide a much needed service in the global community. Tagdeaf.com was launched by Alex Chu In June of 06. It is the first Social Network designed for the deaf community. TagDeaf.com, like all social networks, is designed with the needs of a targeted audience in mind. This particular social network is so special because it is the first, and I believe only, social network designed for a deaf audience. The hearing world often does not understand that the deaf community is a culture all its own. Culture is grounded in language, and people in the deaf community have their own language. It may be assumed that because communication via the Internet does not require the use of speech that it would not be as much of a problem for the deaf community, but truth is that the grammatical rules and syntax for American Sign Language are quite different from that English.
It’s difficult to say whether or not this particular social network would be conducive to a distance education learning environment. It would provide a great reference for studying the needs of the deaf community.
3 comments:
Dear Mary Jane,
Students at my college sudying nursing care and child education too, so they learn sign-language --- and yes, Japanese sign-language is different from English, and from other countries sign-language. Not only for the deaf, but also for non-deaf. Hand gestures, face and eyes all contribute to visual cues in communication. In international festivals here, our students must brush up their skills for Spanish sign-language, for Chinese sign-language and so on.. they enjoy their volunteer activities. I also teach at a national school for the blind, so have other problems. I have taught last year one woman who was deaf since birth - teaching English ... well, it was successful, though I had to bear in mind my face had to be facing her for lip-reading, and my lips should match exactly the words I am writing on the blackboard or in her notebook. We should all become more aware. Thank you for the link URL
All Best Wishes
Paul
I have never heard of Ning.com thanks for the information. I will be checking it out.
Sandra
Hi Mary Jane,
Thanks for the info. very valuable!
Post a Comment