Harrisburg University tried to do a technology experience last week that involved blocking its students access to their preferred social networks – Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, even AIM! The idea was to make students (and staff) reflect on the role social media plays in their lives.
An ambitious and really interesting plan. Shame then that currently only 10%-15% of pupils are going cold turkey. Some have resorted to walking miles to escape the blocks, whilst others have tried their hands at good old fashioned network hacking.
Surprisingly the ban is only in place on campus, when students go home they can go back to unwinding with Facebook!
Is it really so bad to go without your social networks during school hours?