Lesson 9: Online Socialization

Attention

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Identify the "culture" of online socialization
  • Explore the beneficial and harmful effects of online interaction

Teaching

There is no doubt that the Internet and emerging Web 2.0 technologies are changing the face of our culture.

Consider...how has the web changed my VALUES, NORMS, and EXPECTATIONS?

  • Values - Is my online status a new "looking glass self"?
  • Values - Do I value how others see me "online"?
  • Norms - How often to I go online and participate in social media?
  • Norms - Do I know anyone who does NOT use the Internet?
  • Expectations - How long should I wait to hear from someone when I ask them a question?
  • Expectations - How much information should I have access to at any given time?

We interact with people in the digital world now...what are the "Rules of Engagement"?

Online Etiquette

This is a phrase that describes how we "behave" online...it is context specific...so the behavior we engage in when we are on Pinterest is different than the behavior we engage in when we are in a discussion board in an online class.

Here are the expectations from Kent State University

Here are one of the many sources of Facebook Do's and Don'ts

Learning Online

Can people connect and learn online? My research focuses on how well online learning communities can function and if this has an impact on learning outcomes and/or satisfaction with the learning experience.

So far, it seems that we certainly can create a sense of community in an online class and that sense of community DOES impact satisfaction with the class. However, there is less evidence to support that this actually makes a difference on learning outcomes.

Impact of Social Media

Is this all positive? Is it all negative?

Let's find out! We are going to look up articles related to the positive and negative aspects of social media!

Click HERE to read a research article titled "The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families"

O'Keefe, G.S., Clarke-Pearson, K., & Council on Communications and Media. (2011). The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics. 127(4). 800-804.

Assessment

Possible Class Discussion

Based upon the O'Keefe (2011) article in the Lesson, reflect on your own thoughts and experiences regarding the use of social media.