Classroom social media policy developed

Concordia's Office of the Provost recently issued a reminder to faculty members to ensure that they, and students, are aware of the implications of involving social media such as Facebook in classroom projects and pedagogy.

At issue is the fact that such software is owned and managed by a third party. In such circumstances, it is the software producers who have the rights to the material posted there, as is underscored in the terms and conditions those who use the websites are required to sign. Theoretically, a third party could profit from student work posted on Facebook.

Although both Provost David Graham and Vice-Provost Teaching and Learning Ollivier Dyens stressed that the risks were minimal, Graham emphasized that, “it can’t be a requirement to have students submit their work to websites that ultimately would cause them to forfeit the ownership of their work.”

This applies only to third party software managed on external servers and not to course-related software such as Moodle that runs on concordia’s own servers.

Graham and Dyens worked with the university’s Office of the General Consel to draft a form that must be distributed to every student by faculty members who wish to use social media websites in their classes. The form outlines potential risks and allows students the option of dropping courses if they are unhappy with the implications of participating.

Dyens points out that the vast majority of students already voluntarily participate in social media websites such as Facebook. However, those uncomfortable with using them in a classroom context should be able to opt out, with no penalty. Dyens stressed that such participation can never be mandatory, whether the course is required or not.

The Provost’s office, while meeting its legal obligation to alert the academic community  of the potential pitfalls of social media, is also aware of their strengths. “We truly realize how important and creative these tools are, both as an instrument for teaching and an object of research,” says Dyens.

An information session is planned for later in the term for those who wish to know more.

Related link:
•  Office of the Provost