Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Oh My! What is it? How do I use it? Should it be used in the classroom? Social media is as much as part of today's society as the television. The main question is do these social media tools belong in the classroom? In this presentation, I will discuss how using social media as an educational tool can be beneficial to the instructor and the students. I teach the “right” way to use these tools while allowing students additional ways to interact with me and their classmates. What are your thoughts and concerns of using these new mediums in the classroom? Is it ethical? Do you feel we are evading students' “personal space”? I'll explain and demonstrate how I use popular social media tools in my classes and open the room to discussion on whether or not we should allow them into our classroom.

1. Social Media in the Classroom: Yay or Nay?
Melinda Doty
East Carolina University

2. Social Networking… What is it?
• The 21st century’s way to communicate
• Public and private “communities”
• Individuals or organizations divided into groups
• Friends / Acquaintances / Strangers
• Allows connections to be formed and to remain
• Offers diversity among students/classmates

3. Social Networks… etc.
• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Google +

4. Social Networks…in the classroom?
• Benefits / Advantages
– Provides additional ways to communicate
– Promotes interaction in online courses
– Encourages professional use for networking purposes
– Helps bring real-world experiences into the classroom

5. Social Networks… a few things to consider
– Privacy and Security
– Proper use
– Open or private discussion
– Group page for each class
– Students do not add classmates or Instructor as a
“friend” to connect and participate in the group
(Facebook)

6. Social Networks…in the classroom?
• Why can’t Blackboard or Moodle suffice?
• Students use social networks because:
– It is comfortable
– It is social
– It is accessible from multiple devices and their cell phone
• Blackboard / Moodle is used for school work
• Facebook and other networks are used personally

7. Facebook… Student Response
• Do they enjoy it?
• Do they feel it invades their privacy?
• Student comments:
– “I like it. It allows you to see people. Makes it feel more like a
class when I communicate. Don't feel that with blackboard”
– “I like the social atmosphere and how it helps remind you that
your teacher is a real person along with your classmates. I
also like the motivation of knowing the others out there
striving and meeting the goals that you are reaching for also.”

8. Facebook… Student Response
• Student comments cont:
– “I can relate quicker with FB. I check FB before e-mail. I don't feel
that it's invasion of my privacy. I do enjoy being able to connect to
with my classmates as well as my instructor on FB. I think it's a
great way to communicate. “
– “I like it because it is sync to my phone, so when you post I get
updated immediately.”
– “I enjoy using Facebook as a supplement. I think it lets us
communicate and get to know each other. Also, it is a nice way to
get in touch with your classmates if the ECU sites are down.”

9. Social Networks… Final Thoughts?
• Concerns?
• Are we invading their “personal space”?
• Would YOU use Facebook or another social
networking service in YOUR classroom?
– Why or Why Not?

10. Demonstration & Tutorial
• Demonstration
• Step-by-Step Instructions on how to set up a Facebook Group*
– Set-up a profile (if you don’t already have on)
– Create a group
– Add students
– Post messages, videos, discussions, etc.
*Time permitting

11. Contact Me!
Melinda Doty, MS
Teaching Instructor
East Carolina University
dotym@ecu.edu