To inspire or not to inspire, that is the question! Hossein Hamam American University of Beirut June 16, 2013AMICAL Conference 2013

– Abstract nature of classroom information – Inability to simplify complex thoughts – Generation difference Problems Faced by Educators

– Classroom is no longer the main source of information – Decreased dependence on basic or abstract information – Open and Easy Access of Information Problems Faced by Educators

– Mechanism of communication Online communication within LMS Social media and communication Establishing close Rapport starting from the first day – Nature of the communicated message There is a need to improve the message

Online communication within LMS

– Encourages and promotes instructor-student, student-student, and student-content interaction – Gives all participants an equal chance to formulate and share comprehensive thoughts – Encourages critical thinking and gives time for thoughtful reflection Online Communication within LMS

Social Networking

– Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp groups, Blogs, Wiki, Linkedin, Google+ – 3.6 hours spent daily on Social Networking (Ipsos Open Thinking Exchange, 2013) – 34% of educators use Social Media in education (Pearson Learning Solutions and the Babson Survey Research, 2012) Social Networking

– Provide a casual place for learning – Encourage students to express their own thoughts – Enhance student’s learning experiences – Offer a channel of resources and knowledge exchanges – Form communities of practice Benefits of Social Networking

– Fosters diversity Exposes a vast majority of opinion – Establishes enduring relationships with peers Linkedin connections will last long after the classroom ends – Motivates students Informed of the latest advancements and updates in their field Blogs and Twitter help reach out larger audiences Benefits of Social Networking

Statistics – The highest rates of usage occur in the disciplines of Humanities and Arts, Professions and Social Sciences – The Fundamental Sciences note a lack of suitable content on social media

Social media can actively support lifelong learning by offering: – Accessible, flexible and dynamic learning – Networking potential – Supports interaction and collaboration among and between learners and teachers Social Networking and Life Long Learning

Establishing Close Rapport Starting From the First Day

– Communicate even before the start of the session Welcome message Instructor’s Bio Course goals and objectives Students Learning Outcomes Establishing Close Rapport starting from the first day

– Ice breaker sessions The “favorite window” activity Pinterest board Online graffiti Establishing Close Rapport starting from the first day

– Online Lounge Trendy Topics Communicate informally Establishing Close Rapport starting from the first day

Nature of the Communicated Message

– Course content should be linked to resources and support material Nature of the communicated message

– Course content should be linked to publishers Nature of the communicated message

– Course concepts should be linked to scientists who made the major discoveries Nature of the communicated message

– Course content should be linked to the respective scientific societies – Course content should highlight brilliant scientists, starting up or well accomplished Nature of the communicated message

Instructors should shift their mission away from the abstract delivery of knowledge, which might soon become obsolete, to the more effective and longer lasting act of inspiring a flame of knowledge in the hearts and minds of their students by changing the nature of the communicated message, as well as the means. Conclusion

Thank you! IT ACPS Hossein Hamam

Learning The Impact of Social: Media on Learning in Europe Ipsos Open Thinking Exchange (OTX) How Higher Education Faculty Are Using Social Media References