A recent University of Minnesota University News Service article details a recent, first-of-its-kind study conducted at the University of Minnesota that reveals the educational benefits of social networking sites as well as finds that low-income students are just as technologically savvy as those who are not low-income.

Christine Greenhow, the principal researcher, states that "Now that we know what skills students are learning and what experiences they're being exposed to, we can help foster and extend those skills." Greenhow is a learning technologies researcher who headed up the study of students whose family incomes were at or below the county median income ($25,000); the students were part of an after school program, the goal of which is to improve college access for such youth.

The students studied were 16 to 18 year olds enrolled in 13 urban high schools in the Midwest. Data was collected over a six month period followed a follow up survey of a randomly selected subset who were asked questions about their Internet activity as they navigated MySpace.

The study found that 94 % of the students in the study used the Internet, 82 % go online at home, and 77% had a profile on a social networking site. The students reported that what they learned from their Internet use includes technology skills, creativity, being open to new views, and communication.

The implication for Greenhow is that “By understanding how students may be positively using these networking technologies in their daily lives and where the as yet unrecognized educational opportunities are, we can help make schools even more relevant, connected and meaningful to kids."

The study found that students using the sites were “actually practicing the kinds of 21st century skills we want them to develop to be successful today," according to Greenhow. "Students are developing a positive attitude towards using technology systems, editing and customizing content and thinking about online design and layout. They're also sharing creative original work like poetry and film and practicing safe and responsible use of information and technology. The Web sites offer tremendous educational potential."

The study’s results have implications for educators, who are now in a position to support what the students are learning on the websites. Very few students, however, were aware of the academic and professional networking opportunities provided by the websites. Another way educators can expound on the students’ experiences is to make these opportunities known.

Greenhow further suggests that educators work with students to help shape their ideas about what it means to be a good leader online and a good digital citizen.