The document discusses the use of the social networking site Connect by students and staff at the University of Westminster. It finds that while students used Connect more for making contacts and finding information, staff tended to use it less frequently but posted more regularly. Students had positive views about Connect serving a different purpose than Facebook but wanted their tutors involved and integration with the university's virtual learning environment. Most staff felt Connect could help build community for students and play a role in learning and teaching.

1. THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING BY STUDENTS AND STAFF IN HIGHER EDUCATION Gunter Saunders and Federica Oradini Online Learning Development

2. The University of Westminster Context 22,000 students Many international, mature or part-time Emphasis is on face to face delivery/learning Searching for the best way to use technology Blackboard is used extensively Very tutor centred

3. Connect Democratic but still governed by rules User led Normally not linked to assessment Facilitates community building

4. Introduction to Connect

5. What is Connect? Create your profile, add your picture and your interests Add friends to your site Create Presentations (ePortfolios) Customise the look and feel of your site Find people with common interests Create Private and Public communities Send messages to your friends and communities Publish content through the blog tool

6. Factors Driving Development Supporting students prior to arrival Students’ Union Clubs, societies, broaden SU reach Quality assurance Student representatives Giving users control Potential in learning/support Enthusiasm of change agents

7. How has Connect been used? Communities Based around interests e.g. Film, cats, wine Activities e.g. Football, Cricket Student led learning e.g. Visual culture group Staff led learning e.g. Giving presentations, homeopathy Strategy development e.g. Library review Personal blog Some reflective e.g. on university life Academic subject based Seeking contacts, information, solutions

8. Student versus staff use of Connect Staff Fewer staff kept blogs compared to students Frequency of blog posts per head was greater Used mostly as an online reflective diary Linked to their job or subject being taught Students Blogged more for contacts and to get information Tended to own fewer communities More students created detailed profiles

9. Student views Students positive about Connect: Saw Connect serving a different purpose to FB They wanted their tutors to be involved Wanted to separate university/private life They wanted integration with the VLE To have their own space linked to their studies Students negative about Connect See Connect as another Facebook

10. Student videos

11. Staff views Large majority believe it can help students to build a community prior/after arrival Many think it has a role to play in learning and teaching Some would keep a blog about research and sharing of best teaching practice Some would keep a blog for their subject Many think should be linked to Blackboard

12. Staff videos

13. Future Vision

14. is Westminster’s online social network where you can make friends, find out the latest news from UWSU clubs and societies and meet like minded students. Go to http:// connect. wmin.ac.uk and log-on using your University username and password. http:// connect. wmin.ac.uk Starting out at University doesn't have to be scary Photo used under a Creative Commons licence. http://flickr.com/photos/throughhislens/508671414