Facebook and Teaching
I think that it is very interesting that Facebook was one of the suggested communication methods for instructors to use. How exactly would this be helpful for instructors, and have any of you actually successfully used Facebook to interact with you students? Personally it almost seems a little inappropriate because it seems to be mixing too much of a personal sphere with a professional sphere.
Hannah
Bernard,
Nothing wrong with being cautious. But, you are willing to try new things. That says a lot about you. Thanks for your input.
I was very cautious in setting up a facebook page so as not to allow for the sharing of too much personal information. By doing so, it has allowed me to connect with students in a slightly more personal way, without too much personal information. It also allowed me to see if students who said they were having internet access problems were being truthful.
Troy,
I set up a private group just for my class. Students have to say they want join the group and I have to accept them into the group. Therefore, only students in the class can participate. That helps keep the private group for communication. Thanks!
I didn't think about establishing a facebook group to help students in an online course. This could definitely speed up the communication process. However, would there be issues with the lack of control that online schools might have in regulating these sites?
Jeremy,
Sounds like you have a good grasp on using Facebook. I tool like to keep my personal stuff personal and class stuff just for the class. Thanks for your input.
To me, it seems like business as well. I run a business and most of my success is found on Facebook. I have a different account that I use for that so that I do not have to worry about what pictures I get tagged in and who sees them. I could see the same thing being done here as an instructor where you have a page that keeps away from your "personal" world.
Beyond all of that, I find it the most effective way to communicate with students as everyone carries a smart phone these days and a message will pop right into their device. Communication seems faster.
Heather,
I totally understand where you are coming from. Many have the same feelings. It sounds like your LMS has many of the features you need anyway. Thanks!
I have mixed feelings about using Facebook as an online tool. My school treats our online LMS as an online environment with a lot of the same chat and collaboration features that Facebook uses. That being said, I also understand that nearly all of my students spend a TON of time on Facebook, and it could be beneficial to us to tap into that level of communication.
One concern I've got is the amount of monitoring that is required in chat ares, forums, group emails, and now potentially Facebook. I've had student groups initiate their own Facebook groups, and have been invited to join, not as admin, and have seen a lot of personal, unprofessional communication take place. This seems like a tool that will require a lot of monitoring, in an environment that already requires a lot of "supervision".
I'm not opposed to using FB, but a bit skeptical!
Mark,
Many times we use tools that are designed for one purpose but use them fr another purpose.m we just need to make sure what we are using is working for us and our students. Thanks for your input.
I agree with your questioning of using social media like Facebook in the classroom. The site was originally set up as a *personal communication* site for individuals; not as a classroom tool.
Lauren,
Students do need reminders and it is good to be timely inn those reminders. Communication is the key - however we do it. Thanks.
Cally,
The better the retention the better overall. Thanks for your input in this forum.
I honestly feel that this is a great way to remind students of very important information, seeing as how they are much more likely to check this in a timely manner. I understand different schools not wanting it to be a main stream communication, but I do think that it can be rather effective for both students and instructors.
Lauren Dotson
We personally don't use it in our courses but we do suggest students make a group for their class only so they have an area outside of school to bounce ideas off each other and critique their work, without the instructor interfering.
By suggesting this, we have found that classes that use this, have better retention over all. It's great because they all remind each other that their assignments are due and also encourage their peers!
Tim,
Facebook and other social media can be used effectively in a variety of ways. Thanks for not "crossing the line" but keeping in touch wiht students in a professional way.
The fact that most if not all students have facebook attached to their hip at all times, facebook has become a major part of some of the students course experience. I have never initiated or encouraged a group of students to create a facebook group, but have been invited after the fact to be a part of them. I was impressed to see that students would be encouraging dialogue among themselves as well as remind each other of upcoming due dates and to study for quizzes/projects that are due. I personally opt out of the social realm with current students to stray as far as I can of crossing the line.
Dr. Thomas,
Thanks for being willing to try. We have to take a chance every now and again to try new things.
Thanks for sharing.
Hannah, I agree....but I'm going to give it a try and see what happens. As long as we make it clear not to get into the personal issues.
Christin,
Yes you are right. Monitoring is important as with any other online discussions. Thanks.
