I could see some oppertunities for leaners to be exposed to other points of view and technoligies that may not be available in such an efficiant and "fun" way. Example would be lining up a skype interview with a technical leader for devopment in the field I teach. This could excite the learning.
On the other hand I can see this becoming a "cruch" for some. and not using ones own creativity or research.
I think it is a lot better idea to be on a monitored social networking site than to give out personal contact information to the students. It will at least help to alleviate the sunday morning call at 3am to help settle an argument about a topic your good at.
I think they should as long as they are checks and balances in place to ensure appropriate use. So many people are scared of what can go wrong that a lot of instructors stay clear of using social media. But if expectations are set and it is used properly it really can be a very engaging tool that will help students grasps concepts and apply learnings. I think both should be on it but with expectations set at the beginning.
Kimberly,
Staying in touch with graduates and sharing information is a fantastic use of Facebook! I am happy to hear this has been a successful joint venture for you and your former students.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
I agree, it can be scary having students and teachers relating through social media such as facebook, however if it is a controlled environment with some rules set in place before starting it can be interesting and helpful to both the class and the instructor.
I teach respiratory therapy and I am not currently using social media for current classes but i do have a facebook group that is made up of graduates from my program. It has been a great tool to keep students up to date on the newest therapies avaiable in the field of respiratory care and allows the students the opportunity to discuss any problems they may need help with in the field.
Yes I believe students should be connected through social media outlets. Many students are more comfortable using this form of technology to communicate. They may have access to it at times when they are outside the classroom which will promote student engagement.
I believe that instructors and students should only communicate on a social network that is school approved and used solely for that purpose. You dont want to cross that fine line in using a social site with personal pictures and contacts being used instead of school work. We as instructors have to stay caught up with technology but use discretion at all times. Social networking can be used to give reminders, pics on subject related things and so forth. I personally do not have a account but I use Engrade faithfully.
I do not believe it is professional for instructors and students to communicate on social media sites. There should never be an opportunity for teachers to communicate with students that isn't monitored by the school. Doing so, would put both the teacher and the student at risk.
My school also states that is against regulations not to communicate on social media with the students and to keep the relationship professional.
I thank its good as long as it is keep professional and about the the subject matter.
Personally, i use the school email account. I will always have a record of the email, always keeping it professional at all times, and making sure that students do the same.
I find it somewhat disturbing that some students have the expectation that i need to respond to their class questions, concerns or issues immediately.
Lee,
Agreed, modeling professional behavior is tantamount to the success of incorporating social media into the curriculum. Establishing a professional account on Twitter or Facebook has become routine for many K-12 schools, allowing parents and students to follow a teacher and contribute to the discussion and ask questions. I understand the apprehension many have about this form of communication, but I believe this will be a standard practice in education in the near future. I know several corporate-owned career colleges now allow Twitter after an initial knee-jerk reaction to several demonstrations of very unprofessional behavior by teachers on Facebook that made the national headlines several years ago. Today, schools are easing up on their social media policies, knowing it does have tremendous value in student engagement and retention.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
I have not used this type of media and I am not sure if the school I work for would forbid or encourage this. As a student in an online Master's program forum posts were used liberally for communications between students and instructors and between fellow students. These were a part of the LMS and not social networking. I think it could be helpful, but with rules against faculty fraternizing with students I think an instructor may want to avoid twitter and Facebook because the posting may take a more personal turn putting instructors in jeopardy.
Yes as long as the network is not a personal one.
Yes, as long as it is used for the apporpriate reasons and not in a fraternizing way! I think having a blog for the classroom would be great!
I think social media is great especially for Y generation students who have never been without the close connectivity it affords. I think faculty and staff has a responsibility to model professional behavior. It is a great way for students to feel supported by their teachers, and to be able to reach out for help.
Our college has strict policies against instructors connecting with students, however we do have an institutional Facebook page.
Because of policies against fraternization, this topic is a sensitive one. It is necessary then for instructors to establish professional accounts that they only use for students.
Jonathon,
I agree, it can be a distraction and setting limits on only utilizing this form of communications outside of class time may help. I know preventing texting and social media during class is a challenge for many of us; setting strict boundaries from day one is a necessity today.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
