Teaching in the Age of Social Media - CNET Asia Blogs: Sensible Netnonsense by Ignatius Javellana, Philippines

Teaching in the Age of Social Media

Jul 4, 2010 13:52

I remember when I was still in university. Research materials were so hard to come by because, even if there were already tons of Web sites available, there weren't that many research materials readily available. We still had to log in lots of hours at the local library, look through trillions of books and microfilms, and rely on long hard work.

Now, because the Web is much more expansive and local blogs have proliferated tremendously, research is no more than a mouse click away. Local topics of any kind are now, more than ever, easier to find. And with the new school year just opened, I've experienced first-hand as a tutor of sorts how much easier it is today.

Social media communication
First of all, professors are more in tune with the technology. Aside from being able to email your assignments to the professor, some even go so far as to communicate assignments and lectures via social media, like Twitter or via their blogs. Using document-sharing services like Slideshare and Google Docs, professors are able to lecture and teach without having to be in the classroom.

One professor I know posts a lot of notes and commentary on his blog, and welcomes feedback and open discussions among students. In fact, a lot of conversation gets started on his blog, which becomes fuel for lively class discussions. 

Twitter is a great way to keep the students informed. With new technologies that allow you to get updated even via mobile, professors and instructors are able to communicate easily and on-the-fly; stuff like: "I'll be late a few minutes, start reading Chapter 5 of your textbook and we'll discuss it when I get there."

Advanced teaching techniques
Of course, as a tutor, I love the fact that I can reference blogs and Wikipedia on-the-fly. And when my students have questions, I can immediately reference these sites and help them better understand the lessons. Plus, you're not limited to one source or reference--most of the time, because of the multitude of sites available, we can choose from among the results the best and most accurate answer to the research questions.

More advanced professors are even able to use Webcasts, where networked PCs allow them to teach two classes at once while giving live demos of the lecture at hand via desktop sharing. Once such professor I know of even allows students to stay home during his Webcast lecture, so long as they provide feedback while viewing.

Going back to Google Docs, one tutor I know posts a class thesis of sorts on his Docs account. Students are invited to join in and edit the document, and because of the features of Google Docs, when amendments to the thesis are made, everyone knows who's been contributing, etc. Of course, it makes it easier to spot the mistakes made, but then again, that's the beauty of this form of instruction--corrections can be made on-the-fly and the student learns first-hand.

The technology debate
Still however, there are those--both students and professors alike--who prefer the presence of a live audience. Being able to interface with real people instead of a Webcast or virtual classroom allows for more valuable interaction things that cannot be quantified online. And the great thing about meeting people face-to-face is the more human aspect of interaction, facial expressions, tone of voice, little things and movements you would otherwise miss in a virtual setting.

Which is why there are only a number of these forward thinkers I know of who practice on a virtual landscape. Nevertheless, those like myself who have learnt to utilize the tools while still being present physically, are moving forward with the times and with their students. It's so much easier to connect with your audience if you are using a medium they are familiar with, in this case the technologies of the Internet.

I'm beginning to think that with this type of setup, I would really love to start teaching. Wonder if there's an opening in a university somewhere. :D 

via asia.cnet.com

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