Hi Dr. Wilkinson
It is important to students to develop good social networking habits since today more jobs and careers are depending on these habits. For example, think about Linked In today for professionals. It is important to understand how this social networking website works for networking. Our students are active with Facebook and Twitter and we are professionals needs to bring these into our curriculum and materials to bridge the gap between the different generations of learners today.
Thanks
Alana Halsne-Baarda
Developing good social networking habits is analogous to developing good social and communication skills. The technology (network) enables mass consumption of the networking opportunity which in turn can enhance the learning experience. However if the student does not develop good social networking habits (i.e.: posting inappropriate responses to questions, cyber-bullying etc.) they will harm their ability to succeed in today’s technologically enabled society. The vast majority of job opportunities are with in social networks. I heard a statistic that 80% of recruiters search for potential candidates through LinkedIN. I don’t know of any employer who doesn’t search social networks for background information on applicants.
The data never goes away. It’s a thread that follows you forever. The ink doesn’t smear.
Social media is part of life, and that is not likely to change. What we can provide in the learning environment can benefit students even in their exchanges outside of the classroom. Students need to develop effective social networking habits because what they post can be viewed by co-workers, future employers and others who could someday be in a position to evaluate this individual. Additionally, as the workplace becomes increasingly global, companies are tapping into the advantages of social networking and communicating. Having skills to effectively interact in that environment will position the student to succeed in that environment.
This can be extended well beyond the classroom. I have seen social networking be the grounds for expulsion of students for activities conducted outside of the classroom. Additionally, potential employers may search social networking sites to gauge how you are outside of the workplace. The result of poor networking habits can have much more lasting impacts than those of a single class so it is best to foster good social networking habits in the class. This environment is a relatively low risk environment to learn proper habits
I agree with you, Jocelyn; I think many students know about Twitter and Facebook, but they may not necessarily know about the research potential of social media.
I have found that in today's business world, the most efficient way to find employment is through social networking. LinkedIn is a prime example. In fact, I found my current position through LinkedIn. If you can get your students to develop good social networking habits while they are in the classroom, it will benefit them when they graduate and attempt to enter the "real world".
As technology evolves, employers are using new tools to check on applicants. Learning how to use social media appropriately will help the learners prepare for life outside of the classroom.
Timothy,
I think you make a great point. Reminding that these sites may not be private is important. I would check to see if your LMS can do the technology.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It's important because the content on any of these sites are not private and can be seen by anyone. I have actually seen promotions withheld because of bad social networking habits.
Esther,
It really does lend itself to collaborative learning much more than some of our LMS tools. Good point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Gloria,
I love your use of the term "seen as honest and respectful . . " What great terms to use to describe an employee. I would love for us to get those points across to students using social media. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Stephanie,
Yes, and we can leverage the medium to students content as well as professional development.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Richard,
I agree with you. I think we have to leverage the medium for learning and professional development.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Richard,
Really? That is scarey! I do know if they put as much effort in the studies as they do to get around things they would be done!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Richard,
You are correct! They don't understand the need to themselves with others and care about what others say. This is the core of networking and hard to teach later in life unless they see a value in it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
roger,
Great post! Students from the millennial generation feel they have the right to say whatever they want. They just don't always understand the consequences of their actions. They also don't always understand networking as that means they share. This group doesn't share well.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
roger,
Great point. I have heard that some "credit bureau check" type systems that they are collecting data on people back seven years very much like a credit report. Isn't that scarey. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Social networking is a key and viable communication tool. It is used for academic and non-academic purposes. In academia it provides students a social collaborative learning tool that is monitored and managed to ensure opinion is mediated with fact.
It seems apparent that social networking is here to stay and will continue to evolve. When students develop good social networking habits, they establish themselves as being a credible member of that online community, being seen as honest and respectful of the shared use of information presented by others within the network. In so doing, they can engage in meaningful discussion and debate with individuals worldwide and contribute to their own personal learning and understanding as well as enhancing that of others.
Gloria Kray
As this is a new major form of communication and many employers also look at social networking.
