Our Community Page Cyborgology recently posted about guest tweeters. That’s right, guest tweeters. As explained here, Mary Chayko invited Cyborgoloy’s Nathan Jurgenson to spend an hour live-tweeting with her class.
The class would be gathered physically in the classroom and he would join in from his own remote location. Afterward, the students and I would review and reflect on the experience fairly thoroughly—our engagement with Nathan and his ideas, our engagement with one another, what we learned, what we didn’t, and why. My goal was to wring as much as possible, intellectually and socially, from the exercise.
Based on course content and Jurgenson’s expertise, students were asked to think of one question that they wanted to ask Jurgenson. As Chayko explains thoroughly (be sure to read it!), this takes a bit of planning. Explaining just some of the preparations, she notes,
I always survey each of my classes at the start to determine the level of interest and willingness of the students to use social media for class-related activities. I offer students an opportunity to opt out of social media use, to use pseudonyms online, and I require those that wish to use it to abide by a strict set of social media use policies which we discuss at great length (and which I am happy to share). I also teach all my students, ad infinitum, ad nauseum I’m sure, to use social media responsibly and professionally.
Her planning, and the willingness of her students, resulted in a great conversation and learning experience.
Comments 3
Mary Chayko — December 5, 2012
At your request...my classroom social media policy:
Dr. Chayko’s Social Media Policy For Classroom Use
There are many outlets available to you to communicate with current and future friends and acquaintances as well as family members. Social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, Twitter), chat rooms, bulletin boards and blogs are just a few of these outlets. I understand the importance and usefulness of these outlets and encourage responsible use of them. Whether face-to-face or in cyberspace, you represent yourself, your family, and your University when you engage in social media, and it is expected that you to do it with the highest standards of honesty, integrity and class. You are expected to follow the following guidelines as you participate in any of the above-mentioned or similar communications in conjunction with my class:
• It is recommended that you keep your page/site private or anonymous, but understand that anything you post online (even if you make your site private) is out of your control the moment you place it on line and is really then available to anyone in the world.
• Do not post your home address, local address, phone numbers, date of birth, class schedule, etc. If you do, you open yourself up for predators, stalkers, identity thieves, and other criminals.
• Do not post, email, text or otherwise electronically share information, photos, videos, or other representations of sexual content, inappropriate behavior (e.g., actual or implied drug or alcohol use), or items that could be interpreted as demeaning or inflammatory. You are also responsible for all information posted by others on your site. Be professional, and encourage others to do the same.
• Do not post information, photos, videos, or other items on-line that could embarrass you, your family, or the University. This includes information, photos and items that may be posted by others on your page/site.
• Many potential employers and graduate schools analyze these sites in their search processes. Anything posted that is attributed to you could be damaging to your future.
BEST PRACTICES AND REMINDERS:
• Think twice before posting, tweeting, texting, or sending an email -- every single time. If you wouldn't want your teacher, parents, or future employer to see it, don't send it.
• Be respectful and positive online.
• Remember, many different audiences may view and/or monitor your information online including children, law enforcement, your family, faculty, college administration, etc. Consider the impact of your social media use on members of any potential audiences.
• Be aware of posts, photos, and videos in which you appear on others’ sites. Block or do not permit the posting or sharing of anything in which you appear that would constitute a violation of this policy.
• Remember that a permanent record of all that you do is left when you use the internet, even when you keep your page private (which you should do). Understand and use the privacy/security settings made available on these sites. Remember that even if you delete something, it's still out there. Be in a clear, thoughtful state of mind when you communicate electronically. Do not text, IM, email or post when your judgment is impaired or you are not thinking clearly and responsibly.
You will always have the option to opt out of social media use in this class and to be provided with an alternative method for doing all relevant work and completing all assignments.
Adapted from Rutgers University Student-Athlete Social Media Policy and Rutgers Women’s Soccer Social Media Policy.
Hollie Nyseth Brehm — December 5, 2012
Thanks, Mary! This is great!
Letta Page — December 5, 2012
Very thorough and thoughtful; thanks for sharing your policy with us, Dr. Chayko! I'm sure it'll be very useful for other educators visiting Teaching TSP!