Just call me old fashion, but I feel that the use of technology in the classroom should be used by the instructor and discuss the issues that might be on the social media. We have small classes so it is easier to do it that way, instead of the students getting distracted while you are trying to teach.
Falisia,
I have had several student groups set up pages for collaboration & working on group projects. I highly encourage this as it is a tool they will use in many of their work settings.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel the students have a better connection with me through facebook even though I have 1 work related account they see and 1 personal account they don't.
Facebook to me is a black hole that if allowed, would suck up all of my available time. Other people I see using it excessivley do not have enough to keep them busy or they lack time management skills.
Hmmm, guess which generation I am? Not genY!
My students generally social networks to keep contact with each other, whether it is to show a pic of their test grade; instagram a pic of their lab product; or to follow their favorite entertainer.
I find social networks to beneficial to our students because they are able to communicate with their classroom peers regarding missed assignments and letting me as an instructor know that their peer will be absent or late.Social networking is a great communication tool.
I try to use the social networking sites as examples of honing one's professional and personal self in the most positive ways possible. Many students view Facebook as a purely personal affair (and it is, I suppose); therefore, they can say whatever they want, but at the same time, I ask them to think about it--even if each student's page is private, I encourage them to ask themselves what they communicate there says about them--what they communicate; how they communicate it; the words they use; how they handle conflict--I think social networks, if used appropriately, don't necessarily cause a person's communication skills to degenerate; these sites can, in fact, be an opportunity to improve one's communication skills as well as personal and professional growth and maturity. Facebook, in particular, doesn't have to be all about (and I'm using their term here) a forum for "drama."
Social networks is seemingly the way for GenY to feel connected to their friends, family, and associates. Unfortunately, the route to communicating has changed from face to face to via technology.
On a positive note, Gen Y students are quick to reference information via social networks and use it as a contribution to their learning environment and education.
Social networks improve the learning of Gen Y beacause students can form online study groups.My Gen Y students are able to communicate with other students about showing for class on time and sharing classroom topics for absent students.
Scott,
I agree. Also, more & more schools are finding ways to use the information on social networks for assessment purposes as part of the accreditation process.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Social network sites such as Linkedin is a useful tool in helping students in posting a professional profile. They can link up with other professional organizations and start ntworking in search for their future job.
In some cases it is fine provided the source of the information is accurate. Social networking has, in my experience, also had a negative result due to misinformation. Sometimes young people rely on a contact's information as gospel, when in fact, it was wrong. I am all too familiar with the "my buddy said" syndrome.
I have found that it is very exciting to have former students posting on social networks there ability to achieve their goals in their fields. This is great positive feedback for the current students
Since it has become such a huge part of their lives, it is allowing them to make better connections. These connections could be with other students or even alumni as a form of reaching out. Also because they have the constant communication outlet, it calms them knowing that they are always connected to something or someone.
Julie,
I also have a problem with students facebooking all the time. I have a strict policy on this. I told them that during breaks they can spend it anyway they like too. e.g. Facebook time! If I see a student using their phone in my classroom area during lecture or a lab exercise then they get downgraded because they are causing a distraction.
This generation has a huge dependency on electronics and social media. This effect there brain with brainwashing thought. They are sold on the complete media information. This generation take the electronic into the class room learning enviroment.
I think social networking is valuable for students because they can stay connected with each other and "chat" about assignments that are due and maybe get help from another student if they don't understand something. I think social networks are awesome if they are used properly.
Marco,
yes & LinkedIn can help students communicate their strengths, abilities, etc that other sites are not suited for.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
They see this as the new way to network. Linkedin is the best one by far as it is professional and there is a lot of sharing, as well as communities that can be created or join, where the addition resources and information that they are discussing in the class, can be found posted by other industry professionals in the field of their study.
I think it depends on the student. Some students seem to use the social networks to actually learn, while others use it to catch up on gossip. Gen Y students students seem easily influenced by their peers and trying to fit in.
