Social Networking Benefits for Online College Courses
October 21, 2010 by michaelm
Filed under Online College, Online Education
1. Online courses encourage discussion among classmates. Post the idea of building each others social networks. You may be the first to broach the idea, but others will like the benefit of talking about coursework away from the online course board. Most appreciate growing connections in their intended field as well.
2. If your peers are receptive, provide your social network names or addresses. Facebook allows for casual discussion, but if you prefer to keep that network for close friends, Linkedin also has wonderful ways to network. Design a page or discussion forum for the class.
3. Initially focus the networking on assignments from your online college courses. Through conversations, clarify questions, assignments and other aspects of class. Stay friendly, yet professional. Do not use social networking to criticize the online college course or its director.
4. After the online college course has ended, remain friends with classmates who share your interests or will be useful connections later in your field. As you network, you will learn about job openings and insider concerns.
Online college courses are a major part of education’s future. Aside from flexibility, they create calm classroom environments where professors can quickly and thoroughly answer student questions and provide feedback for their work. Incorporating social networking is a logical step in aiding online college courses. When students utilize social networking in a professional and dignified manner, they not only learn more from their online college courses, but also begin a network for after college.
