This document discusses using social networking to support online learners and reduce attrition rates. It describes setting up social networking sites on Ning for two of Staffordshire University's online programs - BA in Advice Studies and MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. Emerging evidence suggests the Ning sites help students feel less isolated, communicate informally, develop a stronger sense of community and support each other. Student feedback indicates the sites have been useful for making friends, sharing challenges and successes, and gaining confidence.

1. SEIZE THE TECHNOLOGY! SUPPORTING DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS VIA SOCIAL NETWORKING MARK SAVAGE : ( SOCIAL WORK & ADVICE STUDIES) JOHN ERSKINE : ( SPORT & EXERCISE) FACULTY OF HEALTH Connected! Visions of Transformative Post 16 Education Staffordshire University: 1 st June 2009

9. Social Networks and Online learners Potential Benefits of a Social Network to Online Learners Overcome sense of isolation Provide a more informal ‘social’ means of communication between students Allow students in the ‘same boat ‘to get to know one another better Develop a greater sense of community of practice Allow like minded students to form groups Encourage staff –student interaction outside the more formal academic setting

22. Emerging (Informal) Evidence Potential Benefits of a Social Network to online learners Level of Support emerging for the 2 NING sites Overcome sense of isolation Provide a more informal ‘social’ means of communication between students Allow students in the ‘same boat ‘to get to know one another better Develop a greater sense of community of practice Allow like minded students to form groups Encourage staff –student interaction outside the more formal academic setting