Kerri ,
I agree & we also need to help realize the still somewhat "false" nature of social media.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Because social media has become such a popular tool with Gen Y'ers, they have become more computer literate while using these networks. It has helped them out in many ways but can also hinder them when it comes to face to face communication.
I agree.The issue is, some of them can be so dependent on electronics that they don't want to think on their own anymore.
Linda,
I agree, used properly these social networks can be helpful tools.
Dr. Ryan Meers
michael,
I've stated this before but I don't think the idea is to "learn from" social media, but rather to possibly incorporate social media as a tool to aid in learning. Suggesting work groups utilize these connections to discuss their projects, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Social networks definetly influence students in different ways. If used correctly it opens up a whole new world to them which they can benifit from.
i agree with this statement. most of social media is based on information other than facts. irt seems to be more of a distraction (even during class time)than serving a real purpose in student's education
Let me say from the outset that I am a boomer and I see little value in learning for Gen Ys from social media. It all seems like a way for my students to waste time. It seems to me thay spend most of their time trying to hook up with members of the opposite sex.
Having said that I also feel there could be great value in learning from social networks.
Sherri,
and I think this demonstrates a great way that they can be incorporated into the classroom without opening a door of temptation.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Our school created it's own version of Facebook built for school clubs and organizations. I thought it was a witty way to incorporate current technology to the student's education and keeping them involved extracurricular activities. We use it to communicate club meetings, activities, updates, etc. It's a great networking tool for current students and alumni.
When teaching, I can use different types of examples from sports, news, celebrity, politics, etc.and assume everyone knows what I'm talking about. On a home page for an email--you can catch up on an entire day of news at a glance. I've been teaching for many years, and I find my example base is broader because of the social networks. So yes, I do think that social networks influence the learning of Gen Y students.
Using these net works help them find jobs and open door for there future as well as are's.
David,
yes, we need to make sure that they are truly learning the content.
Dr. Ryan Meers
in a way I think it can have a negitive impact because the are relying on these thing rather that actually learning.
Learning is sharing. There is definatly an aspect of social networking that inspiries, motivates and educates the Y generation.
lorraine,
I definitely agree that the use of social networking is an individual choice by instructors. The greatest challenge in the classroom is too often they are a distraction to those around them & hence why many schools simply ban the devices all together.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Jill,
yes, the "grapevine" while always alive & well has taken on levels of credibility in recent years that are amazing. Helping this generation understand the difference between opinion & fact is vital.
Dr. Ryan Meers
i allow my students to friend me on facebook and ask me questions about homework and projects through there. as i have found with personal gen y friends, having a strong virtual relationship has strengthened our relationship in real. as far as what the students choose to do in the classroom, my feeling is that they are paying to be in the room and they can do what they want, as long as they aren't distracting me or other students, or they are doing something i told them wasn't allowed.
on a side note, i am quite disheartened by the deplorable spelling, grammar and word choice used by some on these forums. how can we expect our students to proofread their material before submitting it if we don't?
This issue is SO two-sided- having instant access to info provides quick answers, but students don't check the source of this info- they take info from the internet at face value- so on one hand, they're helping themselves (which I encourage), but on the other hand, helping themselves with WHAT??? It also takes away their ability to work for something- answers today come instantly, and the thought of having to work toward an answer seems too much for Gen Yers.
Cheating is also easier with technology in the classroom- we have students taking pictures of tests for their late friends- you have to be very careful and clear about phone use in the classroom.
A plus to social networks is that students communicate so much easier! A study group doesn't need to meet- they can chat and help each other do group projects.
I like them to look online for answers- there are very useful and legit vet info sites that are online for their use- it's just hard to get them to stick to the legit ones...
So many sides to this issue!
I think that the use of social networks influences learning in both positive and negative ways. On the positive, it allows students to reach out right from their classrooms/homes and explore concepts right at their fingertips by being able to see the actual concept such as a location, document or formula. On the negative, social networks make it too easy for students to get answers because they simply pull up the internet, google and their it is. It feels that these students do not need to think for themselves anymore, the computer simply does it for them. Another negative is the fact that information is so readily available it may lead students to cheat because of the accessiblity. And a last negative is that it can be a distraction. As great as it is to learn on the internet, there is also a lot of fun by texting and playing games that students sometimes become more focused with the phone/computer than the instruction that is taking place in the classroom.
