“BEYOND THE COURSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: SOCIAL MEDIA AND MOBILE LEARNING”

By Dr. Jake McNeill and Dr. Erin L. Ryan, Kennesaw State University, USA

 

Abstract

While many universities are working to adapt existing course management systems to a mobile learning environment, educators are using social media as a substitute or an extension of the online classroom. Blogs serve as course homepages, class discussion takes place via Twitter hashtag, and students use sites like Pinterest or Soundcloud to share their work with peers as well as scholarly and professional communities at large.

Unlike many educational mobile apps or platforms, social media apps are free, have well developed responsive design, and are already in use by a significant number of students.

This panel will discuss the landscape of social media apps and the potential uses for educators, as well as relevant issues including privacy and pedagogy. The panel will also discuss results of interviews with students and educators about the use of social media for course content, delivery, and interaction.