Social Networking: How Can it Be Effectively Used in the Classroom?

We have been talking a lot about the idea of social networking.  As of now, this is seen as an extracurricular activity for the young generation to develop friendships and communicate with each other.  But, can it be used to further relationships and learning within the classroom?

I believe that with the right environments and support, a social networking site in the classroom could open up a world of in-depth discussions, collaboration, peer relationships, and expansion on classroom material.  So, how do we control the activities and discussions that go on in these environments?  I want to do some research into controlled social networks that could be utilized safely within the classroom atmosphere.   Utilizing sites such as blogger or wikis could serve as a foundation for these asychronous discussions.  I think it would be amazing to give students an assignment of discussing material at home through wikis or blogs, instead of sending home a worksheet to practice.  Wouldn't that be more useful and beneficial to our students?  They are not only forming trusting relationships with their peers, but analyzing/comparing/contrasting their ideas with them as well.  Students can be encouraged to dive deeper in a topic, instead of just brushing the surface with a one-minded approach.  Don't we always say, "2 heads are better than 1."  How about 25 heads!

Here are some resources I found on social networking in the classroom:

http://www.edutopia.org/how-use-social-networking-technology 

http://www.classroom20.com/

http://123elearning.blogspot.com/2006/09/social-networking-in-classroom.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxrlrbP4UNo&feature=related