Social Media in the Classroom - A Necessary Evil?
How does everyone feel about having instructors be required to use social media in the classroom. Will the social part of the content create too much "chatter" and tangential conversations? How can certain students and topics be reined in, even if they can only post in 140 characters?
- Doc Wibbeke
Hello:
My thoughts are that social media in the classroom should be evaluated on a course by couse basis and should not be mandated. As we all know, we have to evaluate the material in the course and determine the most effective teaching strategies. Social media is a great tool for supplementing these teaching strategies.
Yvette,
I strongly agree that social media is a great tool for instruction. However, it is just one of many tools that instructors can utilize to providing a quality learning environment. I personally do not think any type of technology will replace the human interaction between student and instructor, albeit through the vehicle of technology.
- Dr. Eileen Wibbeke
I feel that is should not be required. I have been teaching online for 12 years and have seen much change in technology. Some of those changes improved the learning environment, and others had a negative affect, leading to frustration for students which hindered learning. Using technology just for the sake of technology is not the right approach, in my opinion. In other situations, technology is a great addition to the classroom and this training session has been helpful for showing the value. I look forward to reading the other replies to this question to see how others are using social media and managing that effectively.
I am really ambivalent about using social media in a graduate program. We spend a great deal of time trying to get our students to understand the value of seeking out and using primary scholarly research versus secondary sources. Somehow, author credentials, credibility, etc. seem to get ignored in favor of presentation skills when we move to media, especially social media. Does anyone have any ideas about how to get around the entertainment variable?
Trude Fawson
Trude,
I think that some part of education has indeed become part "edutainment". In order to keep the attention of individuals who have given their attention wholly to digital devices, a live instructor online teaching them seems to pale in comparison to some students.
- Dr. Eileen Wibbeke
While I like social media usage in the classroom, I do feel mandatory requirements would not be appropriate for all disciplines. I agree that it does create a lot of chatter, and they may become confused with a 140 character Twitter response being a supplement to their work rather than a replacement.
Yvette,
I agree with you. I see it as part of an assignment that allows students to explore that type of technology as a tool for communication. You as an instructor have to be comfortable with the strategies and the tools and the outcomes that may occur, good and/or bad.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eileen,
Interaction between a student and instructor doesn't have to be compromised in using the technology; it can extend it. I am not sure why we have to think about replacing it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jennifer ,
It can be one of many tools to help enhance learning. I would never mandate the use of this technology or any specific technology for use in a course. In online learning, you have to use technology but the tools are each unique.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Trude,
You make a great point. You do want them to explore, research, and cite experts not become a community blogger. It is important that students understand the nature of the situation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eileen,
Nice observation. I think we use the tools if the are able to help students meet objectives. To use technology for technology's sake doesn't work.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Morissa,
I agree with you. It think we have to look beyond the "shiny" of a new product and see how implementation benefits learning for the students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Eileen,
I have problems mandating any technology as part of the course. Doesn't that stifle creativity of teaching? Just my thought.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I feel as instructors we need to continue to challenge ourselves in this innovative world. It is imperative we keep up with the technology as well. This will help ensure we are marketable as well in the work force.
-Matthew T. Schwartz
Matthew,
You are right. We are seeing more social media in the workplace and we need to make sure we model and teach appropriate use.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Honestly, I've not used them much outside of the traditional discussion board format and I am not sold on their use in general.
Perhaps there is still a place for the traditional but online model.
Phil Lewis
Phil,
You have every right to be skeptical. You want to use the tool for a specific purpose not just to be using it. I think they are good tools to provide expert input at times. You determine your need for the tool based on your course outcomes.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I don't think it has to be a requirement. I think we should accept ideas formulated as it relates to social media.
For example, a specific blog that relates to a topic discussed. A means of R & D but not a requirement.
What do you think?
Jean
Jean,
I agree with you. It don't have to do it and if you do it; there must be a purpose and it must fit your objectives. It is just one of many tools you can use.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
