I think that social networks should be limited in the classroom because students mainly use them to socialize and not as a learning tool. I use a discussion board for weekly interaction among students in the class room to discuss their experiences while they are out on externship. I use it as a class room social network to keep the students connected with each other as well as instructors while they are away from campus learning.
Eric,
yes, you have to abide by our institution's policies. LinkedIn is a great alternative as it's purpose is professional networking as opposed to socializing.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is difficult to think about the fact that we have to "allow social time in class" but I agree with you that it is a good idea. Students lose interest really fast.
Some organizations such as mine do not allow the usage of such things due to fraternization policies.
Definately,
Even when my students act as adults, I have to take away laptops, cellphones, ipads, etc. to keep their attention on class.
When facebook, pintrest and twitter are more interesting than the class that you registered for, then it seems as though their are only two options... take away the technology or send them home so the rest of the table can learn.
I even have a students who can surf the web on his remarkably expensive watch... I often wonder if tech designers truly hated their teachers, or if it is just a plus to try and drive us crazy. BUT I retaliated by putting a computer lab, a physcial library and a e-library in my classroom.
Although I don't have so many problems... I still have to take "toys" away every now and again.
Lenore ,
yes the technology (while a nuisance at times) can also be a great way to increase & improve our efficiency.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students share information with their fellow classmates at an alarming rate - personnally and academically. Email is a great way for a teacher to communicate with a student who has missed a class; also, students can send papers as attachments to avoid a late penalty.
I find that the educational institutions "promote" social networks but have a conflict with their compliance departments tie their hands when implementing them or the lack of IT support.
I believe social networking contributes to the need for "Instant Feedback" for our students. Many have become used to updating and viewing everything people are doing through Facebook and Twitter. I do think that incorporating Social MNetworks into the classroom can be a good way of reaching this generation though.
Using cell phones during class time is a distraction. It may also cross the line of fairness or favoritism.
Nicholas ,
I agree & if we can incorporate this into assignments we have a chance to help them really understand how to use these.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Social networks can influence the Gen Y student but I feel that they should know how to use it properly. They should watch how they apply it and use it properly.
Social networks allow students to be more connected with their learning, particularly if the teacher or school takes advantage of the opportunity, as well. Students use our school facebook page to post questions, see what is going on, and connect with other students who are commenting on the same topics.
I feel like social networks and technology has become problematic in that fact that our Gen Yers are unable to handle face to face confortation, which is going to be inevitable in their careers. We have used social media has a substitute for customer service.
Social networking however does put them at an advantage when it comes to networking with people outside of their community. This could be vital when they become job seeking.
Jacquelyn ,
this is the most comfortable method of communication for many of our students. And while this may be difficult for us, it may be helpful to them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
allows our students to interact on an impersonal level which they be more comfortable with until they become more confident on the subject matter
Social networks are a normal part of life for the Gen Y student, so using them as a teaching tool helps them incorporate real life into the classroom
Laurie,
this is a great point on how we can use these tools to help support our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I concur, Phillip. In addition, it has given me a heads-up on student issues that may be impacting their classroom performance and/or overall retention.
I have found that students talk to their network about instructors or projects.... and amazingly they become competitive and we see higher standards in the next term. Who would have thought?
