In reading the posts on this forum, it brought a question to my mind: If no two people "were more than 5 intermediaries apart" in the past (when concept was formulated; with the explosive growth of social networks, individuals belonging to multiple networks, and new technology / technological applications, has this number changed? Have any experts in social media ever tried to use the vast computer resources available in order to, at least, develop a "hypothetical" number based on probablility, mathematics and most likely even artifical intelligence? In my mind, it would seem that if we had two people, each at a computer; then the "social networks" of one should be "reaching into" the "social networks" of the second. So if the networks are each "reaching" into the other's "network territory", it would seem that there might just be a new "number" of degrees /or perhaps "mouse-clicks" of separation. Has anyone ever come across any "research, computed/mathematical algorithms, etc. as to what the number theoretically is? Just curious. Not that I am going to lose any sleep over it, if it's never be done!

Measuring good communication is important to do in the online environment to ensure the instructor is reaching the students and engaging them effectively. The instructor may try several different ways to communicate and evaluate which ones work best in the classroom. Stating clear objectives the first day of class helps the students understand the expectations of the courses and how to communicate.

To assist my student with online communication I make sure to have office hours clearly posted so they know when they are able to reach me. Also, I hold a weekly group session via webex, which the students can log into if they have questions or concerns about the weekly material. Also, the webex is a great way for the instructor to assist the student with additional material to help them succeed, such as power point presentations.

In the courses I have taught the students are given policies and procedures the first day of the course, so they have a clear understanding of the expectations. The students are also given a rubric for their discussions and assignments so they know exactly what they will be graded on. I think it is important for the students to have a very clear understanding of the course expectations in order to do their best.

In today's technological world there are so many different ways to communicate. Effective communication should be carefully considered. Think about the type of students you have in your course. Learn how they best take in and retain information and then analyze the most effective way to reach and retain students in the course. Some students might respond best by phone, some by email or text. I have found when I find the best way to communicate with a student I can keep them engaged in the course.

While blogging is a great tool, does anyone else feel that students already feel so overloaded that they just will not participate?

Does anyone else have concerns about the level to which we encourage micro blogging? I find it difficult already to get students out of the habit of being too brief in their online communications so I worry that this will counteract my efforts. Students today are too used to a world of texting and tweeting that their established discussion boards end up the same way. It could be reinforcing bad habits.

Not all students will be on the same level on their knowledge or familiarity with these types of tools. How can we best accommodate these differences?

When a class is already in an online environment does it confuse students to utilize social media as well? How do we keep them on track with multiple portals?

I find online students do not have the habit of reading instructor announcements and so have developed the practice of emailing all announcements as well as posting them on the course home page. Any suggestions for developing a habit of regularly checking announcements?

Can anyone think of a reason as to when blogging would be a detriment to the online classroom? - Dr. Eileen Wibbeke

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

I was interested to read in this training that Wikipedia (or wikis) in general can be seen as social media. While Wikipedia and wikis are collaborative crowd-sourced information sites, their academic validity can never quite match that of a peer-reviewed journal (for example) from a respected source (i.e. Harvard Business Review). - Doc Wibbeke

Communication on the job via email is fading quickly. Instant messaging is becoming more popular.

You can also have them write a synopsis of the material that was covered.

Online work gives students a chance to research more than just a book and also gives them more exposure.

One thing I get a lot as a math/stats instructor is a negative attitude towards math. Many people come into my classes with the attitude they hate math and they are no good at it (something that sticks with them from high school). It can be a challenge to get them to keep an open mind. How do other math instructors allow help students turn these weaknesses into strengths?

Should students be required to attend online activities that are a part of the course? Many times, chats are optional but yet they are very beneficial.

If a student posted inappropriate information on social media, would you respond privately explaining the information was inappropriate?

Do you think it is appropriate to grade a blog?