boundaries
Who should ultimately be responsible for what's appropriate in media sharing, instructors or administration?
Todd,
This is a great way to use blogging. My Opinion, students may be more apt to post there than in the discussion. That is just my opinion. I think they are already there in the media.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I have done this also Michael, it is quite interesting to see what students will blog about, even if it is on a specific topic. I have taught a course in Typography and had my students (weekly) summarize an article from the web and post it. They don't see to mind doing it. Then I would have fellow classmates post one reply back to create that dialog.
To spin off of the next question, grading was done based on length, quality and timley submission.
Todd
Michael,
I think that is a great goal. It will help you and your students know expectations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Currently, grading is subjective including peer review. I hope to be working on a more objective rubric after I see how the peer revies turn out.
Geri,
You are right, but if you are using social media as a way to assess outcomes you may need to create boundaries of the use of the tool.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is the responsibility of the instructor to follow the learning outcomes of the curriculum. This is the class outline for the instructor to follow.
George,
Great post! You make the point of faculty not just creating policy and informing students but also holding students accountable. It amazes me when faculty complain about student behavior when they don't hold students accountable.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Everyone should be responsible. Administration should provide clear behavioral guidelines for faculty and students. Faculty should inform students and hold them accountable. Boundaries should be flexible and adaptive while reinforcing ethical standards.
Michael,
What a great idea . How do you grade it?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In my classes, each student creates their individual blog. Through guided discussion, each student creates a journal of activities throughout the term.
Linda,
You make a great point as I don't think so much about institutional boundaries but some schools may have that type of policy. Even if they didn't the instructor has to feed comfortable about the role of social media in the learning process. It needs to be a good fit for the content, audience, delivery. . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I'm sure for many institutions it's a blend between the administrations policies and then the instructor's comfort and engagement level. Start with the administration policy, expand as necessary or allowed within the instructors comfort. But in some institutions, there may be set social media outlets and sites for the entire school and each instructor may not create a separate site. For instance, a college Facebook page that all content is driven towards instead of individual class Facebook page. For schools with multiple locations, it's probably best to have location specific sites as the demographics, programs offered and surrounding geographic influences differ.
Morissa,
Great point. Yes, the instructor needs to be aware of content and resources. Students need to be taught how to discern the different types of media.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Chastity,
Great post. I think you make a great point in they do bring the energy and the personality to a course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Instructors need to be consistently aware of what they are allowing in the classroom. Creating a set of boundaries is essential for students to understand the differences between general media sharing and appropriate, content related material.
The professor is ultimately responsible for ensuring appropriate usage of the online tool. But I also tell my students they are responsible for the energy they bring into the online environment. For instance, you may come across as harsh if you use all CAPS or begin your posts with something you liked about another person's post prior to giving them constructive criticism.
mary,
You are right. I find that many institutions will limit what can be used and distributed in that fashion. You do have to make sure that you are following policy. There clearly should be expectations set and enforced as well as boundaries established to make this type of media work in the learning environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would think that instructors would want to be responsible for what is appropriate in media sharing as pertains to the material which is being taught and how that is communicated. Administration may also play a role as relates to general rules and guidelines.
George,
Good post. You could provide a "real life" example of a good blog done by an expert in the field.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
