1. Social Networking in Distance Learning: Planning for Success Kelley A. Conrad, Mary J. Weber, Patrick Powaser University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies

3. SN use is High and Growing In 2006, 27% of Internet users were Social Network users In 2015, 65% were users Social Enterprise Times reported 40% of Internet users spend more time socializing on Social Media than face-to- face We frequently see students on SN sites during classes While studying for exams in the library, 81% of students regularly interrupted their study to check for new SN messages (Head & Eisenberg, 2009)

5. Faculty Students

6. The Options Increase Every Day

8. Sample Surveys sent to 265 faculty internet users through FindParticipants, LinkedIn, & SurveyMonkey 5.25% Response Rate 14 Experienced online faculty responded 1-12 years with distance learning 1-8+ years of internet experience 9 (64%) females 5 (36%) males 12 Used Social Networking 5 Used Social Networking in their online classes

9. Reasons for using SN Keep in touch with friends64 % Stay connected with friends43% Update my profile43% Reconnect with people I have lost contact with28% Search for job opportunities21% Find friends with similar interests14% All other purposes14%

10. Purposes for using SN in Classes Ave of 5 Make the classes more enjoyable3.2 Enhance the learning of content2.8 Increase the depth of understanding of content2.8 Establish working relationships among students1.4 Network with faculty0.1

11. Plan SN for Success Avoid Information Overload Select content carefully Keep assignments related to topic Relate directly to interventions and/or assignments Communicate measurable goals Emphasize practical Applications

12. Plan SN for Success Design Content Carefully Capture student attention Emphasize meaning of assignments Encourage student thinking Avoid routine, formulaic approaches Have students complete self-assessments Educate students about the negative impact of multi-tasking Establish and reinforce high standards of thinking

13. Plan SN for Success Make Skillful Use of Technology Use sound educational techniques Use a variety of media Use popular media (Captivate, Prezy, Articulate) Instruct students on the SN media used in class Mix approaches, web based, mobile technology, chats, blogs, webinars, Skype Use video Use job aids, reference guides, example files

14. Type Makes a Difference Selection of the Social Media to use in class type is important The closer we are to face to face the more intimate the communication. However, as people become more experienced they share more on SN sites like Facebook and LinkedIn

15. Plan SN for Success Plan for Students with Different Experiences Consider Cultural differences Eliminate unintended hegemonic biases Students from other countries may not have resources typical in US or Europe Plan to reduce negative effects – Stress reduction Coach students to be self-regulating Not to have SN running all the time Reserving some time each day for SN

16. Plan SN for Success Create communities of inquiry Use social presence, cognitive presence, teaching presence Combat online “loneliness” Encourage community (classroom) cocreation of emergent goals Encourage critical reflexive journaling (Cunliffe, 2004 )

17. References Conrad, K. A., & Weber, M. J. (2014, August). Social networking in distance learning: Help or hindrance? Paper presented at the 30th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning, Madison, WI. Cunliff, A. L. (2004). On becoming a critically reflexive practitioner. Journal of Management Education, 29(4), 407-426. Head, A. J., & Eisenberg, M. B. (2009). How college students seek information in the digital age. Project Information Literacy Progress Report, December 1, 2009. Seattle, WA: University of Washington.

18. Thank You For copies of the paper and the presentation contact: Kelley A. Conrad 435 Wells Street, Apt 209 Delafield, WI 53018 Kelley.Conrad@Phoenix.edu