Networking Photos
In online classroom, it would be necessary to link names with faces of students and professor. Would you recommend use of google docs or other media sites for uploading personal photos?
Austin,
I think you have to make sure that students are comfortable with sharing that type of info. I like google docs and now, our LMS allows you to share that type of info.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Kelly,
You make a good point about ensuring that students are comfortable sharing photos or other personal information?
Have you ever used Dropbox as a sharing mechanism for students?
Barb
Barbara,
Yes I have. I have also used Google docs as a way to facilitate sharing as most students are familiar with google. Both work. You do have to make sure that students don't have situations in their life that makes sharing information difficult.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Many LMS systems allow the student and Instructor to upload a photo to their profile. However the image the student chooses does not have to be them. In fact many students prefer to remain faceless.It seems to be both the pros and cons of online education. Anonymity works for the student to maintain their personal level of privacy yet can have adverse effects since it limits the amount of “high touch†required for online learning success.
Claire,
You are right. It does provide a way to skirt around the identity issue. I have had students tell me they were asked to take a an online course for someone for money. I was shocked.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Austin
Photos are a tricky in an online classroom. Some students do not understand what is appropriate and what is not really appropriate for an online academic setting. I have had to tell students that their photos are not appropriate. Nonetheless, it is a learning opportunity for professionalism.
Samantha
Samantha,
Great post! Students have to learn appropriateness of their choice which enhances their critical thinking skills.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Samantha,
Great post! Students have to learn appropriateness of their choice which enhances their critical thinking skills.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think that it really depends on the student. All students do not feel comfortable posting a picture in social media. As a facilitator, if a student is not comfortable with their own photo I would at least ask them to submit a photo of something that they feel represents them i.e. a pet or favorite logo. If the student is still uncomfortable I would not press the issue.
Lakithia,
True. We may not know if they have other issues that may make them uncomfortable. Also, this selfie stuff is crazy. You want them to have a professional picture.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Currently, I work in an environment that a lot of my teammates work remote (from home or another country or state). Having a picture posted helps to form a more intimate relationship with that individual; as if I was meaning them meeting them in person.
I see this working in an on-line classroom setting also like F2F.
I would not say it is necessary, but helpful.
James,
It is helpful with engagement and communication being the key. I will say that a simple recording both audio and video introducing yourself and students introducing themselves is a very effective tool.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I beleive it should be up to the student. They must be comfortable with doing so. Parameters regarding the type of photo shared must be established (no selfies...not professional).
Shannon,
You need to be careful about leaving decisions to students. You will need to make sure that you have minimum expectations and students understand that minimum expectation is only a C You want students to stretch.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Believe it or not... some classrooms do not have photographs of each person! Having a photograph with the information adds interest to the profile, too. I recommend use of anything but Google, BING.com, because it's not Google!
I would encourage them to use a photo that they would post on a professional site. Linked in requests a photo and the individuals are in business attire. This would allow you to make the class a little bit more personal.
