Mike Calendine

The importance of all students being technologically viable is a necessity.  Even at jobs that may not seem like tech jobs.  A baseline is needed for things to run normally.

Students will talk to each other in a different way than a faculty member can.  Use this to your advantage.  

Although critical thinking skills are vital, students must still maintain and have a standard baseline knowledge to excel.

The faculty members communication and style will either help build the community or hurt it.

Assistive technology allows students to remain in community with other students.  This relief from isolation will help enhance their anonymity and independence. 

When creating or presenting material, the faculty member must always keep this at the forefront of what is completed or presented. 

Hidden disabilities play a major part in learning.  As faculty and designers, it is essential that these possibilities are defined and dealt with.

Older students may fight you on this idea of social networking in a class that isn't directly worried about social networking.  Faculty have to be able to sell this to students.

I would consider this step more advanced than the other in this topic....especially when discussing student buy-in.

There are so many sites to use as an educator; find one that serves your purpose and use it.  Changing them will confuse and irritate students.