While I see how use of social networks could be useful I wonder if there are ever issues with some students in class not wanting the other students to be part of their social network? I could envision a situation where one student would not want to "frient" others in class but would instead want to keep their social life private and separate from school.
shawn,
I would definitely say that it has to be evaluated & considered for the individual classes & students. It is not a must or a necessity in every class, but for some there may be a good use for learning/teaching through this technology.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My students have set up a facebook page for the class where they support each other and exchange information. They also use a website that quizzes them on the material they are responsible for knowing. Connects them socially and professionally!!
I think they have some value for the Gen Y students as far as increasing their ability to be connected with others, but I'm not yet convinced of their overall usefulness as a learning or teaching tool.
Social networking is something I have used with students to keep them motivated, "in the loop", and as a means of communication. I have my own personal page and also a school related page. I find this helps in keeping boundries with the student-teacher relationship.
Brad,
this is very true. I heard recently that many are feeling that Linked-In, Facebook & others are replacing the resume.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Simply, It gives them insist on how to use modern day technology to socialize across the web and to develop close professional connections which will become necessary in the career world.
Gwendolyn,
and I think when we can help them learn these skills in other ways we have the best of both worls.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
They can exchange information, forum discussions, see different points of views. they can get updates, in real time on the new things happening in their professions and carriers.
It gives them instant grafification - need an answer-got an answer! But what it doesn't help them learn to the love the search or the act of patience
Bob,
this is a great way to use the technology that is available & that they are familiar with.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find they are alot more apt to get the exact same information from a quickly made facebook page than to read what is printed out in front of them. also they can go in there and leave comments about how to better help students which is a good way to get ideas to keep your information and delivery fresh.
Randall,
this is a great example of the valuable use of social networking from an educational perspective.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Social Networks can allow the student the ability to share with their friends and family the things they have learned. I teach in Culinary Arts and they often take pictures of the items they have made. Often, many will take video or pictures of my demonstrations for future reference as well. I think it is healthy for students to share their passion with those who follow and care about the individual.
David,
this is a great idea! I think this could be used for a variety of areas & professional fields. Essentially an online portfolio of work.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I use social media in my courses in a different way. I have each student set up a "Professional" Facebook account and use it as their Websume. As Culinary Arts/International Baking and Pastry Students they take tons of pictures with their iPhones and post them on their site. They also write about their passion of food, cooking, and serving others. Periodically in class we pull their pages up on the LCD projector and they present to the class as if the were in a job interview. Their paper resumes invite potential employers to visit their Facebook page. The resume contains a live link to the Facebook site. At the Facebook site one of the first features that is available is a video clip of the Student introducing him/her self. Just like a real interview. The students film each other for this part. They get really nervous, just like a real interview. It is good practice for the real deal.
Ted,
there really are many great "how to" type videos out there. Again, we need to help our students be smart consumers of this material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
social networks can be harmful because if a student is upset with something that is going on in the classroom, then everyone picks up on the negitivity within minutes on facebook or twitter etc..
I will discuss a topic about automotive electrical circuits and give an example and many will view it on youtube.
The instructor needs to be prepared to focus the students' use of these technologies toward classroom learning exercises. Many young people tend to use a lot of the technologies for connection with others, whether family, friends, or colleagues to simply stay in touch and keep on top of things happening.
Therefore, the instructor must be familiar with and able to integrate the use of such devices into the classroom setting appropriately. If some things are unfamiliar, get the students to help with those things that you have issues with -students will appreciate that honesty.
Keeping the direction and purpose of using those devices under the instructor's control will eliminate time not appropriately used in the context of the classroom environment.
Using LinkedIn is perhaps one of the better items to put into use. The students learn of its value in applying for positions, submitting resumes, finding employment, maintaining networking options with others in the field, etc.
