The Social Network medium is a developing environment that students can utilize for the rest of their lives. They need to develop their ability to effectively integrate this communication environment into their personal skill set. They must also learn what to post and what not to post in a public forum. I spend time with every class talking to students about the loss of control once something is posted in a public forum. I always have one student who is shocked that employers would search social media and the web to see what perspective employees have posted.
jacob ,
You make a great point. Students I don't think really understand that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The content they post online never, truly goes away. Even if a post is "private" it can be tagged or shared. A "fun natured" post from your freshman year in college could have drastic consequences when applying for a job after graduating from college.
Ed,
You are right. We have to make sure students understand the use of different types of social media to benefit them professionally.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This is the 21st Century so it's important for students to learn about all of the different methods of social networking. It's also important for students to be taught what is acceptable to disclose on a public forum verses things that should remain private.
Denise,
You are right, you have to have a social networking presence. With that in mind, we have to make sure that students know what it means to have a "good" presence.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Social networking has become the future of being a professional. There are so many sites out there to connect with others in your same field. It is important to know how to use these sites and how to use them as good networking field. Student should practice with these before leaving school so they will be a good tool for them when they are in the working world.
Denise
Jennifer ,
You make such a great point. they need to be able to evaluate others communication and determine the quality of it as a supervisor. What a great assignment that would be.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Alana,
I agree with your great post. We do need to bridge that gap that will allow students to maximize their social skills in the professional lives. It is our responsibility.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Darren,
When the communication becomes digital, the trail is easy to follow and stays a long time. This is a tough lesson to learn.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mathias,
Great point. I don't think students think about that. They also need to know that many companies have policies on use of these types of communication.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eileen,
Yes, for their own professional survival. Recruiters are looking for them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Claire,
Great post! We have to address this area for professional development for our students. I had a students that an employer asked her for her login and password of her Facebook account. We have to address the issues surrounding this medium.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
David,
I agree with you. We have spent so much time working with students to develop their f2f networking skills we now must turn our attention to the social media venue.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Patricia,
I agree with you. I also think they don't know the power of these tools professionally. It is our job to make them aware of the power.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Casey,
Wow, what a great example to tell your students! You said it best, "getting students to develop good social networking habits" should be no different that helping students develop good networking skills done f2f.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Karissa,
I agree, this is so important. Several career (hospitality is one) really uses Linkedin to connect. I know we will see more. They also need to be able to divide their lives personally and professionally so that social media is used appropriately
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Social networking habits for students are important because how they behave online can help and hurt their career. Students that follow good online social networking etiquette can have many connections in their network. This can help in the future in contacting someone they need to get in touch with. This can also help in getting jobs if they can get good professional contacts. Poor social networking can hurt them if they do things that may be seen as negative to others. If students make negative comments it is recorded forever and future potential employers may see this.
I think social networking is a way for students to share their insights and experience with everyone. But, at the same time, we have to be concerned with privacy issues. There are certain content such as company confidential information should never be shared in any social networking channels.
Matt Fok
Hello,
As social media is becoming a more prevalent, and albeit sometimes required, part of online education, students must know how to use it both respectfully and technically.
- Doc Wibbeke
