Get Your Students Hired
One of the biggest negatives I see is that students tend to take opinions from their peers as facts instead of researching the information and finding out the truth. A valuable homework assignment could be generated from this, having them state a topic that they have an opinion on based on statements from peers. Then, have them research and form an objective conclusion based on what they find.
Wayne,
this is a great example of a positive use of FB & other social networking sites.
Dr. Ryan Meers
They believe what they see and read on social network sites. They read it, share it, and respond to it. Unfortunately, they often do this without thinking about the type of information they are sharing.
An instructor can use this by creating groups on the social networking site - students can join the groups and then interact with only others in that group - their classmates.
This can harness the power and attractiveness of socialization without having class information open to everyone.
One of my classes I teach has developed a Facebook class page. I know they use it a lot for social interaction. It is also beneficial for their learning. They ask questions regarding the reading assignment or a test that is going to be given the next day. It can also be used for announcements for changes in the class or clinical location.
Warren,
yes, I don't think anyone would suggest using social media as part of the classroom structure itself. Rather I would propose that sutdents form groups, etc to help one another on group projects.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I can only speak for my classroom, social media during class has no need or value. Yet I have seen it used by my students as a way to encourage one another, which is great! If a student is not coming to class or is going through a difficult period, student-to-student they connect on their social media sites. It helps them to stay connected to the class and they are encouraged by one another. In that sense, it's a great tool used by students.
I agree 100 %. If social networking is used to do research, wonderful.Show me how it can be used to gain knowledge to help pay mortgages, car payments and student loans, etc. and I'm in! Most of the time it is used for worthless conversation that could be conducted at a scheduled time rather than during a time that you are supposed to be essentially trying to learn things that someone will eventually pay you for.
Durrell,
yes, this is a great way for the students to see the connection between the course content & technology.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Durrell,
yes, this is a great way for the students to see the connection between the course content & technology.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Tracey,
yes this is where the value lies for our students. I do not promote the idea of using social networks for actual assignments, but they can be great tools for students to connect with their classmates to discuss projects, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Have had many opportunities in the classroom for students to pull up and download apps the give handy references to common everyday things discussed in the classroom and used as reference guides in feild environments in lab setting
Gen Y students may lose a sort of reality when spending so much time on social networks. They begin to see their actual lives as what is interpreted online instead of seeing how their actions in physical reality impact the success of their future.
I believe social networking sites are used to socialize and not much more.
I don't allow my students to use social networks for class assignments; however, if someone misses a class, it is a valuable tool for them to find out what they missed and what they need to do for the next class.
I have also had students use social networking sites to communicate for group projects.
Facebook, Twitter and other internet portals allow students to communicate better and, hopefully, learn more.
I have not seen any useful application of social networks. The only one I can think of is students while in one could discuss concepts with a wide variety of people.
Social networking is a tool that allows students to stay connected both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, social networking is no longer considered a personal tool. It can also be used a tool to look into school, companies and various settings and stay connected.
ILEANA,
these are some great strategies that can help use technology in a constructive way.
Dr. Ryan Meers
What I have done in my English classes is devote a project based upon the bigger issues of what is the value to the students of social media and any possible concerns about that. We use the film The Social Network as a basis for Facebook but I ask them to think and look outside the *box*.
One way to use Twitter in the classroom is to pose a question and have the students give their response via your Twitter account. Another way is to use Tweetworks when students are working on group projects.
I use a LMS to communicate with students, but for those who don't have a LMS, Twitter can be used to communicate due dates, upcoming tests or any other information. Students and teachers can follow new stories from NatGeoSociety, CNNMoney and other news sites.
Social networks keep the Gen Yers connected, with forums and discussions out there they are kept updated with current information.