Using Internet and Social Media in the virtual classroom.
Let me say that I for one do not see Social Media as a time waster. Do not get me wrong, it can be. I also believe that we teach our students how to best use this platform, it can serve them so well. I have two Facebook accounts, one for me, mostly for game playing (it does cut down on my stress). AND a professional one. I do not friend my students until they have graduated from their chosen course work. Once I friend them, they are encouraged to network, with other graduates, other professionals on my account, and the career sites I am linked into.
My current students are given the career sites to start reading and finding graduates from their course. These were wheel based courses, so many of them were in school with each other already. Having access to graduates has made a huge difference to my retention and sit pass rates for their certification testing. I do not feel this could have been accomplished without this media.
What are your feelings on the social media?
Alice,
Again, thank you for sharing your ideas and examples of positive uses of new technology.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Social media is a dynamic tool for student learning and for enhancing a teacher's instructional toolbox. I agree that social media also offers students the opportunity to network for internship and job opportunities. It's a presence in our lives that if used properly, can only add to it.
Paula Bordenkecher
Paula,
Good points - social media has transformed much of what we do and can become very useful in learning with guidance and use in relevant contexts.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
This is an incredibly start way to build a small, but powerful, networking empire. This is amazing and ingenious!I too will not "friend" my students until they have graduated my coursework, but I never thought about taking it this extra step. Kudos to you for your thoughtfulness and ingenuity.
Stacie
What a great use of Face Book. I will have to re- think my boycotting of social media.
Michelle,
Yes, do :) Social media has wonderful impact on learning through interaction and networking.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
