Presentation to Staffordshire University Learning & Teaching Conference June 1st 2009

1. SEIZE THE TECHNOLOGY! SUPPORTING DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS VIA SOCIAL NETWORKING MARK SAVAGE : ( SOCIAL WORK & ADVICE STUDIES) JOHN ERSKINE : ( SPORT & EXERCISE) FACULTY OF HEALTH Connected! Visions of Transformative Post 16 Education Staffordshire University: 1 st June 2009

9. Social Networks and Online learners Potential Benefits of a Social Network to Online Learners Overcome sense of isolation Provide a more informal ‘social’ means of communication between students Allow students in the ‘same boat ‘to get to know one another better Develop a greater sense of community of practice Allow like minded students to form groups Encourage staff –student interaction outside the more formal academic setting

22. Emerging (Informal) Evidence Potential Benefits of a Social Network to online learners Level of Support emerging for the 2 NING sites Overcome sense of isolation Provide a more informal ‘social’ means of communication between students Allow students in the ‘same boat ‘to get to know one another better Develop a greater sense of community of practice Allow like minded students to form groups Encourage staff –student interaction outside the more formal academic setting