Etiquette in Social Networking
I could not agree more that social networking is an untapped resource for the online learning environment. Social networking allows for a feeling of community in the online world where students need not feel so anoynymous. One of my only concerns with social networking lies in the lack of etiquette sometimes displeyed. Rude words, comments and any other form of subtle attack that students might resort to in response to a comment or concept that they disagree with. I think that at the beginning of an online course "respect" should be emphasized and demanded for all, by all.
Alicia,
Why not create an acceptable use policy and hold students to it. It will only take one time to address publicly an issue (call a student out) to teach a lesson to many.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Christina,
I am so glad that you started this thread because I couldn't agree with you more! When I was reading your post something popped into my head. Maybe a way teachers can ensure proper etiquette while using social networking in their classroom is to institute a "Code of Conduct" while using the site. Having a set of guidelines with acceptable and unacceptable behaviors would make students aware of the behavior that is expected of them in the online environment. I would even go as far as to maybe make the students sign it as a pledge of some sort.
Robert,
I agree with you! It is still very much a gray area and we hear how "abused" it is; but you know libraries have those scarey books. :) We do need to have students to think about social media and networking in the context of professionalism. We start when they are freshmen. They have to clean their social media and open a Linkedin account.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Social networking is still often misundersood, misused and its potential is still not quite clear. With the development of technology with focus on connectivity, social networking will only be growing as you can see our younger generation handling apps and other Iphone based technologies. Like anything new, it is still dealing with a grey area in terms of etiquette and the big question is "who should define etiquette in social networking"? Do we let the users define it or should a higher governmental organization create the etiquette mainframe?
Leti ,
Interesting post! I had a student who was asked for her username and password at an interview for a PART TIME job. She didn't give it and she didn't get the job. There are now companies that businesses use to monitor social media and give reports on people much like a credit report.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christina-
I agree with you! I see how some adults behave on FB so I often wonder how this same group would behave as students. Would they change their roles in the classroom? Or would they continue to share their entire life and criticize people influencing their negativity. I am definitely willing to try it and learn from my mistakes but hopefully there are not too many.
Leti Ramirez
Christina,
Good post! We can create a sense of community online and social networking is a great example. We do have to hold students responsible for their behavior. We have mold them into professionals!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
