Lynn (AKA Babybluezephyr) wrote this in her blog:
"So I get a friend request from someone today that is a teacher at camosun, and is wanting to start a group for everyone in the class. Which in itself is pathetic."I think I just might be the "pathetic one"...the culprit. Why ??? Well let me tell you that I teach at Camosun and that,on the 24th of August, I sent a request to my students to join a group that I created in Facebook. Why in the world an instructor like me would like to get students to join a Facebook group ? Because I need friends ?.....well...it's true that I just moved from Québec and that I left my very good friends behind...but no, it is not the reason. Because I want to be a cool instructor ? Well, I want to reach students but mostly, I want them to work together. The group I created in Facebook (for BIOL 124) is a study group that, I hope, the students will use to solve problems and understand that Web 2.0 tools are there to be used for learning and not just because to show funny pictures and talk about drinking habits - of course I exagerate a bit here. Are my intentions pathetic? Are they that funny? Well maybe for some...
Yesterday, I talked with one of my colleagues that is also a blogger. He wrote this:
Facebook is not where they go to learn. It’s where they go to socialize, relax and throw virtual food at each other.After talking to him and reading his post I almost regret having created this Facebook group. I understand that students might not want me in their space but still many students replied to my request. When I think about it, with such a perspective, when I was 20-26 I just might have found a request to facebook pathetic....but maybe not....
9 comments:
Hey Dominic,
I feel kinda bad. The fist time we meet I point out something negative when the reality is I think that Facebook has potential to be a great tool for instructors.
I am very curious to follow your testing of Facebook this term and hope the student take to it.
Cint
Not at all! I truly understand your point and made me think of ways to use the technology. I agree with you that Facebook has potential to be a good tool..actually it was invented for students...
I welcome comments and discussions and, of course, criticism. You did not point out anything negative, you made a very valuable comment.
Thanks again Clint...see you soon!
So you're back to blogging eh. Well I would use a facebook group in class or to teach. Seems like a good idea to me. You could post notes, answer questions, put your course up as a podcast. You're just ahead of your time... Lots of people using facebook are not so savvy with web 2.0 ... But if you provide valuable information, they will come. At least I would.
AC...you made my day...now I feel like a genius...ahead of my time...hey ...I like that! :)
We just wanted to let you know that the idea that your facebook attempt was "pathetic", is not the general consenus among your students. I think it could be a very resourceful tool and a innovative way to reach your students. Keep your head up!
Lincoln & Celina
Bio 124
Thanks for your support!!! Really!!!
Dominic -
Your attempt to reach your students on facebook I think is a great idea. True, facebook is usually a way that people socialize, but it also has the potential for the students in your class to, like you said ' work together' and develop good group and collaborative relationships.....I'm sure your students, like me, will benefit.
I definitely think it's a good idea, and a good tool if the students are willing to use it.
I can understand the apprehension among them though, based upon what your fellow blogger pointed out. Students ARE mainly on facebook to socialize, and I can see why they may not want their teachers/parents/etc. to be able to see their pictures from the drunken halloween party, or details of their social lives, etc., etc. Which, I guess, is what the 'limited profile' is for. (not that I think you would be using facebook to 'spy' on your students)
Nice posting, keep it up
regards
web designer
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