Gen Y students are very much involved in social networks...it's part of their everyday lives. I agree there should be some limits on using social networks while in class as it can cause disruptions. I also think teachers should try and embrace social networks to in their teaching methods. Students are used to using these sites and I see it as a chance to get them more involved in their studies, if used properly.
We are in a information era in which smartphones, tablets and wrist watches are used to access information and communicate. Social networks are at the epicenter of all of theses technological advancements. Individuals can communicate and share experiences and knowledge easily through social networks.
I teach a cohort of students who stay together and take courses in the same sequence for a year. I create a closed Face book page and encourage discussions on tests and exams. When students are preparing a night before, they do not freak out on little things as they know that if they a confusuion that can be cleared or if there is a complex topic, it can be discussed and understood.
Social Networks...cons outweigh the pros. I do use my social network site on occasion. I feel watching TED you tubes are valuable learning tools. I often post them on my FB page (not personal site. This way I can access it quickly. It is educational and always relative to the topic and it benefits not only my class but others in the community.
Arlissa,
this is a great point. While Facebook is more social, it's nice for them to see the difference in the professional sites like LinkedIn.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I allow ten minute breaks approximately every hour. Students can use those breaks for socializing or any other activity that can be completed in ten minutes. In my experience, telling students that they will be graded for professionalism and that there will be a five point deduction from that grade every time that I need to tell them to stop using their phones is sufficient to keep most people from texting, etc., during class.
I have used social networking activities in my classes to help students understand how to utilize social media in a professional manner. The activities are popular and successful. I hope to incorporate into other classes.
I have found that Linked In helps students create a more professional image online by seeing mostly good examples displayed by veterans in their industries.
Social networking cites such as LinkedIn can positively influence the learning of Gen Y students. It offers students job networking opportunities, concentrated research interests in the industry, and professional development functions.
Institutional policy limitations aside, it seems to me that there is no single viewpoint which would be correct or beneficial. Just how much instructor/student communication is established may be relevant more to the subject matter, and less to the overall question of whether to expand communications, or not. As with many things, there are better or worse times and/or subjects to be considered here. I have a personal FB page and cannot allow students as friends per corporate policy. Doing so could be interpreted as fraternization, which is also not acceptable. This may change after a student has graduated. I do provide them with my official work email, though, however not my personal email. The emphasis on email as continuing to be relevant in a business environment is valid, and as such I may ask a student to "show me how to text" in trade for "I'll show them how to email".
I find that it helps me to keep in touch with my students by having them visit my blogs. It helps them to have a way to access information and comment at any time. It seems that some of my students feel more free to share thoughts in the virtual world.
Email may be coming outdated and slow, however, it is the means of getting information out to others in my organization. Having students continue to utilize this means of communication will help them transfer to the work force, especially if they enter a large organization.
Typing my answer on this "Forum" page is an example of networking and socializing via computer technology about this course topic. Acknowledging the existence of Social Media and Social networks is important for the instructor and the student relationship. The instructor should always act as a leader and good example, and these characteristics can be exemplified in the Social Media arena.
Having students "check in" to class is a great way to apply peer presure to get other fellow students to class.
Posting questions of the day on the Class Social Media page can increase interest and help get students to class to check their answers.
Eric,
yes, definitely making them aware of how to use the various networks for career success is an important part of today's education.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is easy for them to get information and communicate efficiently. And to keep them in touch or connect to something else.
I'm not so sure about using Facebook in a classroom setting, this seems to be a tremendous blur between professional and personal lives. Interacting with students on social networks is against our own company policy as well.
Awareness of them, however, could be important... in understanding how our students socialize and interact with each other.
Social networks seem to at least partially rule the lives of some of the Gen Y students. I find that more often than not if there is inappropriate usage of a cell phone it is predominately due to Facebook. It seems as though they are addicted to the continual update of everyone that they have on their page and are insistent upon being sure that everyone knows what they are doing at all times. This becomes a major distraction to their learning as although they may be able to "multi-task" their focus is not on what the lesson is about but rather on what their friends are doing.
Being in the restaurant and service field, I highly encourage my students to follow famous chefs and restaurants to see what is happeneing and trending in the city.
Social networks can be incorporated into learning by giving students assignments which allow them to use their social networks. I assigned a menu project in which the students were to design a menu, cost it out, and then ask 100 people which item they would order, in order to rank the items in popularity. I encouraged my students to post the menu on their Facebook page and ask their Facebook friends to place their orders. It took no time at all for the students to get 100 + responses to their project.
They help students feel more engaged in the classroom, comfortable with what they are familiar with, and most of all means of being connected with each other through engagement of the class material. I really like setting up a cohort on Facebook for my classes to follow. The idea in the classroom of continuing discussion from class or at least leaving it open for students to participate in that type of learning environment is brilliant!
