1.2 Professional development
While social networking can be informal and outside the regular work environment, its value to staff professional development can be considerable (Davis, 2011). By sharing with peers and experts via networks, people can advance their online skillsets more rapidly than they would do alone. They can also solve problems or deal with issues by asking for assistance from their networks. In addition, beyond the subject matter of online education, simply developing the skill of effective networking is a part of professional development. Many educational institutions now actively support their staff to develop social networks and recognise the value of doing this.
Activity 5.1 Social networking tools
- Make a list of what you think are the key benefits of and challenges to using social networks to support your professional development. While you are doing this, reflect on any previous experience you might have of using social networks and whether the challenges are different now to a year or two ago.
- Select two benefits and two challenges and post them on your course community of practice Facebook group. When sharing your thoughts, you could explain why you consider these important benefits and challenges. If you have not joined the community of practice Facebook group, you could discuss these ideas with colleagues within your university.
- Revisit the page later to view or comment on new posts. Are your views similar to or different from those of others?
Comment
This activity is designed to help you to think about the use of social networking tools in your context. There are many benefits, although – as you’ve probably identified yourself and discovered from your Facebook discussions – there are also challenges that need to be considered.
1.1 Sharing ideas and resources
