Course Outline:

Social Media and Open/Networked Learning
This seminar will provide an immersive experience where students gain practical skills and knowledge of social media for teaching, learning, and professional development. Blogs, wikis, microblogging, RSS, social bookmarking, and media sharing will be explored. The seminar will also focus on the changing views of knowledge in the current information environment, emerging literacies, and the development of personal learning networks.

Course Objectives:
Students will gain experience, understanding, and skill in regards to:

• Changing perceptions of knowledge within the proclaimed “information age”;
• Information, media, and network literacies;
• The use of technology in K12, Higher Education, and informal learning;
• Development of personal learning networks for professional development and teaching, and learning; and,
• The open movement in education.

Course Assignments:
The following assignment are required for successful completion of this course:

• Course Blog – daily reflections demonstrating connections to course content and insightful understanding of social media & open/networked learning as they apply to practice.
• PLN Development – initial development of a personal learning network with the goal of sustained practice, reflection, and linkages to other connected educators. This activity can be expressed through a number of assessment-based activities.
• Class Activities & Participation- attendance, insightful participation in discussions, and completion/experimentation of a number of technology-related activities.

Evaluation and Grading:
Seminar assessment is based upon a pass/fail system. Specific grades will not be assigned, yet a 73% is the expectation for a passing evaluation.

Final assessment is based upon:

- Course Blog – 35%
- PLN Development – 30%
- Class Activities & Participation – 35%