Establishing a Web Presence: Benefits and Disadvantages for Faculty

Readers,

As a millennial, I have had a digital footprint since high school! Amazingly enough, I always knew that the Internet would be a mechanism that could either help or severely hurt one's reputation. As a result, I have tried to avoid situations (parties, clubs, political events, etc,) in which people can take pictures that may be questioned years later in my life.

However, when I started the tenure track, I discovered that a web presence can be a GREAT benefit to one's academic career. Through this blog, I received a wealth of opportunities, including two national speaking opportunities, produce review opportunities, and numerous new friends!

Recently, Miriam Posner, Brian Croxall, and Stewart Varner from the Digital Scholarship Commons created a presentation on this topic, "Creating a Web Presence: A Primer for Academics (Part I").

Here's the link to material and the video from their workshop -

PRESENTATION - http://web.library.emory.edu/blog/creating-web-presence-primer-academics-part-i-1&ei=iU-ATa21D4PWwAXSrPjzDg

VIDEO - http://ia700401.us.archive.org/30/items/CreatingWebPresenceI/CreatingWebPresenceI.mov

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Undergraduates Sending Texts in Class - Yes, I Can See You!

Readers,

Do any of you have a policy focused on texting in class? Is this policy included on your course syllabus? I have a polcy listed on my syllabus and most of the students comply with the policy. My classes are generally engaging, but I've discovered that students who are not engaged by their professor during class tend to send text messages. Engage them and keep them accountable for their actions.

Also, I provide examples from the post-graduation world and I explain that they cannot text under a table during a business meeting or in the front of their future classrooms. I remind them that whatever they practice becomes a habit!

Read about other professors' experiences here -
Guilt Is Not Enough to Stop Students From Texting in Class - Wired Campus - The Chronicle of Higher Education

http://www.college-reporter.com/opinion/567-professors-arent-stupid

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Freebie Friday - Cheese-It Sample

Readers,

I am always looking for GREAT snack ideas for grading incentives for myself and for in-class snack for my students...which they LOVE! This week's Freebie Friday product is a free package of Cheese-Its! Request your free sample by visiting the Cheese-It Facebook page, becoming a fan, and casting a vote for your favorite flavor!

Here's the link! http://www.facebook.com/cheezit?v=app_137697646284792

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

The Potential Implications of Blogging and Tweeting in Higher Education

Readers,

I hope you are having a wonderful day! Recently, I started using my Twitter account again. I have a private Twitter account (drjtedwards) and public Twitter account (drjtedwardsTSU). Keeping both of these accounts updated on a regular basis is very difficult. I usually use the public Twitter account to communicate with my undergraduate students. I have a Twitter widget on my Blackboard homepage and this widget helps me to reach the undergraduate students who do not have a Twitter account.

Through this public account, I am able to establish social presence with online and face-to-face students. They are able to see and respond to my daily activities and ideas and I am able to help them with their questions about the course and questions about school (advising, financial aid, etc.). If I am not able to help them, I always post informative links to point them in the right direction.

When I post a Tweet, I always think about the potential implications of that tweet or blog post on my current career, future career, and interpersonal relationships. When you post information about yourself, this act enables other people to have power over your information. For example, after I finish this blog post, it will be syndicated by bots and posted on various websites.

Think before you post! Your post MIGHT affect your career!

Think Before You Tweet (or Blog or Update a Status) - ProfHacker - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Here's the link to the article: http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/think-before-you-tweet-or-blog-or-update-a-status/30949?sid=wc&utm_source=wc&utm_medium=en

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.