Social Networking for Students in Higher Education

Mike NantaisJackie Kirk

Clark Gawletz

Agenda

Introductions

Theoretical basis

Jackie & Mike’s story

Clark’s study

Discussion

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dkuropatwa/3862101829/

What is your connection to social networking in higher education?

This is a contest!

Please tweet your answer (if you can) using both:

#MADLaT2012 and #SNHE Person to hit the mystery

number wins a prize

“human learning presupposes a specific social

nature” Lev Vygotsky

Social constructivism …

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dkuropatwa/4285018251/

We learn through social interactions in

authentic, situated contexts .

Community of Practice.

(Lave & Wenger)

Why use social media?

Where we started: Discussion forum in Moodle.

We added more tools – most we still use:

Wikispaces

But now, we have added …

Self-Study in Teacher Education: Working together to critique our practice and totry to resolve some of the challenges like:

• Student engagement

• Faculty engagement

• Student ownership and authentic participation

• Using social networking to improve our practice

Educational design research is the systematic study of designing, developing and evaluating educational programs, processes and products

Six Requirements for Educational Design Research

Explore significant educational problems, rather than conduct research for its own sake

Define a pedagogical outcome and create learning environments that address it.

Emphasize content and pedagogy rather than technology.

Give special attention to supporting human interactions and nurturing learning communities

Modify the learning environments until the pedagogical outcome is reached

Reflect on the process: reveal design principles that can inform future projects

Ning Focus Group

In your opinion, what are the educational benefits of using Ning for teaching and learning?

See opinions of other members and connect with pre-service teachers

Able to remain a member even after graduation

Provides a way to collaborate on ideas and keep in touch once employed as professional teachers.

Others perspective. Collaborate ideas in the group.

Go beyond class lecture

Post discussion questions for help and feedback. Find resources of active participation. Diverse opinions.

Members can share resources

PLN - Connect globally not just locally.

“User-friendly”. Similar to other social networking

Extend learning outside of the classroom.

In your opinion, how does the use of Ning enhance the course you are currently enrolled in?

Provided an extension of class discussions to get others opinions

Allowed members to gain experience leading a specific online discussion board.

Users were able to create a blog within the site

Created events that others in the faculty could join or offer comments

Using technology in the classroom.

Members can join any group within the course

Beneficial as an assessment tool

Allows for question/answer directed to profs and peers

Allows for reflection on one’s own thinking/learning

Learning beyond classroom lecture: Invited greater detail for exploring topics

In your opinion, what limitations does Ning have as it relates to your ability to succeed in this course?

Navigating was limited,

very overwhelming at the beginning. Forced to use this site-marks. Takes fun out of it, posts feel “forced”.

Marked for grammar, spelling etc., not content, specifically impedes the flow of discussion.

Priority of the Ning is low compared to other assignments.

Minimal professor feedback, which discourages participation. Does not draw attention as a social networking site.

In your opinion, what would you change about Ning?

Difficult process to find another person’s blog: had to type in their name

One more account and password to remember

The way it is used: for example-marking techniques, participate marks only, keep assignments to moodle.

Open to more than just Ed students and alumni –include cooperating teachers and other school divisions etc.

Easier accessibility to other users pages

Simplify it: many groups are duplicated or very similar

Be able to get on Ning without going to the BU faculty of education website

In your opinion, Ning has the following technological restrictions?

Should be linked to BU webmail account.

Site needs an area to upload Word's/PowerPoint/Excel files

Online file storage is nil. Cannot post videos and links are difficult to apply. Does not flow well, outline set up hard to follow, hard to search for people.

You cannot invite people that are not your friends to your group without their e-mail addresses

One more account name/password

Look and feel could be fresher

Exit Slip: What kind of format/product would you like to see as a follow up to this study?

Overall this was a great way to connect to others in other streams/years.

Orientation would be an excellent time to provide a tutorial for students as we felt we were just thrown in and told to use it. This might encourage more active participation.

We would like to see the findings of this study posted to name/BU and website. We would like to see some of our suggestions put into action. Feels like a chore.

If it doesn't change, as a graduate we cannot see ourselves using this by choice

https://twitter.com/

Thanks for attending!Now , just for fun …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T37q9Lx6sw

Mike: nantaism@brandonu.ca

Jackie: kirkj@brandonu.ca

Clark: gawletz@brandonu.ca