Media Hosting and Sharing Policies
What should students understand after reading the media hosting and sharing policies?
Dr. Wilkinson,
I do think that students should be directed as to what is appropriate to share and when. A lot of my students like to express their opinions freely at all times and I have to inform them some thoughts should be shared at different times and occasions.
Students should understand that the classroom is a professional venue to post relavent information pertaining to the curriculum as well as respect for one another's views and opinions.
They should at least understand how to use the functionality and also issues of security if applicable, and netiquette. There should be a rubric so that they can know beforehand what is applicable in hosting and sharing, aligned with class objectives.
Dr. Christopher,
I love your statements. You must have a policy in place as well as expectations of the students and of the instructor. I also point students to stories (and there are many) about social media blunders.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Simone,
You are so RIGHT! You should have polices and place and hold students and yourself to them. It amazes me how many people will just "do it" without a framework of expectation. Your strategy is great.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
What I would be looking for is professionalism. The message I want students to receive when using any media site or social networking is not to post anything that a future employer would not want to see on the front page of the New York Times. So, any policies / code of conduct that I have been involved in writing have that end goal. Do not embarrass yourself or future employers by your actions. I try to explain to them that a media site or portfolio can help you get a job but it can also prevent you from getting your dream job.
-Chris
When you look at an online class, media hosting policies have been developed to foster a positive outcome with the use of social media as well as follow the academic integrity regulations that has been developed by the university. All policies should be clearly stated so that each student understands them and ramifications if they do not follow them.
When students read your policies, they should be able to:
- get a sense that the institution is interested in their well-being.
- see a connection with other policies, such as the code of conduct, and realize that laws apply to digital spaces as well.
- understand the purpose of the hosting/sharing sites.
- recognize the value sharing.
- identify positive behaviors such as respect, responsibility, etc.
- identify negative actions and consequences for such actions.
- recognize their role and the role of the instructor.
Michael,
You are right. I find students think they can say anything as "they have the right to" . I really have began enforcing the expectations as I have had some escalation in poor tone and bullying in online communication. I am not a fan of zero tolerance but I come close to it regarding poor communication.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lesley,
I agree with you and I am finding this increasingly difficult. I also find that when you work with an international population, you must really impressive this important issue.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think another important consideration for posting on media hosting and share sites is online etiquette. I oftentimes have to help students understand when and how to respond to students, especially if we are discussing a topic that can engender passion in participants. In short, manners are important, and online, people can hide behind the "distance" and forget their manners.
It is essential that students understand copyrights and that you can't just "copy and paste" from other sources, without citing that source as part of the response.
The principle is very similar to writing a paper and using the proper citations.
Kelli,
You are right and we are finding so many employers are looking at social media to predict future behavior of employees. We now are requiring all freshmen to go to a social media workshop to prepare for their professional persona.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Students should understand that these social media policies are put in place to help and guide them towards a positive learning experience. They are also a gentle reminder that academic integrity continues outside the typical classroom and the ramifications of any negative actions or behaviors will result in similar consequences.
Richard,
You are right, there is quite a bit of information to know to really implement social media. You make a great point, you have to make sure about the institution policies. You may want to have students look at other types of social media policies. Students must be made aware they don't have "freedom of speech" as a professional.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Students will need to know if their online instructors will be developing the content-based media to be uploaded to the media host, or will students be developing content as well? Is there “ready-made†content-based media they can utilize?
The media must also meet copyright rules and regulations. The content must also be shared only with those who need to view, listen to, or interact with it.
The actual hosting and sharing sites themselves may also mandate specific policies for site use. The educational institution will likely have a social media policy for all students, staff, and instructors.
Victoria,
I agree with you. As I just updated my LinkedIn account, we have to educate our students in the role social media can have in their career. We also have to model good communication within the medium.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In addition to understanding copyright laws and appropriate netiquette, I think students should also have a clear understanding of how/why the use of social media will help them succeed in the course.
Tanya,
Great post. I find that many times, policies set by the instructor are not enforced by the instructor. It is important to remember that policies set mean nothing if note enforced!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tanya,
Great post. I find that many times, policies set by the instructor are not enforced by the instructor. It is important to remember that policies set mean nothing if note enforced!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
