I think as time goes by social media will keep going in importance for learning.
I have had students as long ago as 15 years find me on face book to ask questions.
In general I find that students really don't know the importance of networking.
The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to social networking is to be careful what you write and say. Younger students can shoot off at the mouth and post messages that can eventually become embarrassing to them when potential hiring managers learn of such unprofessionalism. In that case, it can work against them. So, learning the do's and don't's of acceptable responses, manners and proper etiquette is essential
for them to stay focused.
Properly done, the social networks can help them build relationships, learn from others and test out a variety of views. It can be a great learning experience when done right and help them build a network of contacts that can assist each other further on down the road.
The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to social networking is to be careful what you write and say. Younger students can shoot off at the mouth and post messages that can eventually become embarrassing to them when potential hiring managers learn of such unprofessionalism. In that case, it can work against them. So, learning the do's and don't's of acceptable responses, manners and proper etiquette is essential
for them to stay focused.
Properly done, the social networks can help them build relationships, learn from others and test out a variety of views. It can be a great learning experience when done right and help them build a network of contacts that can assist each other further on down the road.
Kimberly,
You make a great point. We need to talk about good manners! Good etiquette goes a long way in the professional world. The venues we communicate may change, good manners really don't.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jocelyn,
Great point! We as professionals talk about how we use social media to reach out for data and/for validation of our teaching. We need to show students how we use it professionally and tell them we also use it personally and model those situations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Social media is second nature to digital natives. They tweet, post, share and good habits are essential. It is similar to good manners in public.
Hi
Students need to develop appropriate understanding of the opportunities available with social networking as well the issues related to downside of the open online communication. For students to be successful in business today they need to be savvy social networkers. Whether they are just using LinkedIn or maintain a company website, being comfortable and safe online is important.
Social networking also provides a tremendous amount of information. There are networks that are industry specific as well as job specific. Tapping into these helps students to find work and to keep up to date with industry news.
Jocelyn M. Dervis
cynthia,
A truer statement has never been spoken! :) I don't want to see their assumptions of the future, too scarey!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Great idea! And if a student did not have 'real world' experience, it could be from their assumptions of the future....
Thanks!
Cynthia
cynthia,
You have spurred a thought; could a student compare and contrast the different skills needed in both types of networking environments. I would think there are similarities . . .. Good post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Good social networking habits can be beneficial in many areas. These can be through technology based or non technology based. We must all learn how to work in many ‘networks’ not only in classrooms, but also in the ‘real world.’
Christine,
Great point about hidden opportunities. We do have to teach our students to be authentic in the professional posts.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Darcel,
Great points! I think we must educate students on the professional use of them so they can efficiently use them and not abuse them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I don’t know if I’d call them good social networking habits, but more importantly skills. In today’s day in age, if you are not linked to some sort of social networking sight it is easy to feel a few steps behind or not quite in the loop. If someone wants something to be known, done or found it will most definitely be seen on networking sights like Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. In an economy like now where jobs can be scarce these networking tools are a great way to put yourself out there, market yourself, and locate hidden opportunities that you might otherwise never know about. Word of mouth has always been the back door to opportunity and now that word of mouth has expanded globally the number of back doors can be endless with the right networking skills.
It is important for students to develop good social networking habits since students are using them daily.
Social networking offer a lot of opportunities for learning and interactivity.
Social networking sites (SNS) don't seem to be unhealthy for students as long as they're not victimizing SNS’s, overly.
SNS’s also can facilitate the students in their studies.
Students make use of social networking sites like an affiliation or communication to their alternative classmates. SNS’s will facilitate them relieve stress.
Social networking habits are good for studying and communicating in group activities, and get more informative information.
Belinda,
You are right. They will continue to use them in their professional career.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Good social networking habits increase proper communication, builds community, and increase interactions with people world-wide.
Shannon,
This may be one of the most important networking tools we have for the future. We have to educate students on their professional voice in that environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
