Social Media in the Classroom: Yay or Nay?Melinda DotyEast Carolina University
Social Networking… What is it?
• The 21st century’s way to communicate• Public and private “communities”• Individuals or organizations divided into groups• Friends / Acquaintances / Strangers• Allows connections to be formed and to remain• Offers diversity among students/classmates
Social Networks… etc.• Facebook
• MySpace
• Google +
Social Networks…in the classroom?
• Benefits / Advantages– Provides additional ways to communicate – Promotes interaction in online courses– Encourages professional use for networking purposes– Helps bring real-world experiences into the classroom
Social Networks… a few things to consider– Privacy and Security– Proper use – Open or private discussion– Group page for each class– Students do not add classmates or Instructor as a
“friend” to connect and participate in the group (Facebook)
Social Networks…in the classroom?
• Why can’t Blackboard or Moodle suffice?• Students use social networks because:– It is comfortable– It is social– It is accessible from multiple devices and their cell phone
• Blackboard / Moodle is used for school work• Facebook and other networks are used personally
Facebook… Student Response• Do they enjoy it?• Do they feel it invades their privacy?• Student comments:– “I like it. It allows you to see people. Makes it feel more like a class
when I communicate. Don't feel that with blackboard”– “I like the social atmosphere and how it helps remind you that your
teacher is a real person along with your classmates. I also like the motivation of knowing the others out there striving and meeting the goals that you are reaching for also.”
Facebook… Student Response• Student comments cont:
– “I can relate quicker with FB. I check FB before e-mail. I don't feel that it's invasion of my privacy. I do enjoy being able to connect to with my classmates as well as my instructor on FB. I think it's a great way to communicate. “
– “I like it because it is sync to my phone, so when you post I get updated immediately.”
– “I enjoy using Facebook as a supplement. I think it lets us communicate and get to know each other. Also, it is a nice way to get in touch with your classmates if the ECU sites are down.”
Social Networks… Final Thoughts?
• Concerns?
• Are we invading their “personal space”?
• Would YOU use Facebook or another social networking service in YOUR classroom? – Why or Why Not?
Demonstration & Tutorial
• Demonstration
• Step-by-Step Instructions on how to set up a Facebook Group*– Set-up a profile (if you don’t already have on)– Create a group– Add students– Post messages, videos, discussions, etc.
*Time permitting
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