Online Presence for Learning and Employability: students' use of profiles in social networking environments

• Project leader(s): Karen Kear
• Theme: Other
• Faculty: STEM
• Status: Archived
• Dates: August 2011 to January 2014

The widespread use of social network sites means that ‘online presence’ is becoming increasingly important for social, educational and employment purposes. The most obvious examples of users’ online presence can be found in the personal profiles on sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Personal profiles are also available in educational online environments such as Moodle. The literature on online learning advocates the use of personal profiles and photos to help participants in online communities learn something about each other and feel more connected. This project investigated the extent to which personal profiles were used and valued by Open University learners.

Data were gathered from two tutor groups on the Level 1 Computing and IT module My Digital Life (TU100). The methods used were: an online survey; online focus groups via web conferencing; and observation of students’ Moodle profiles at two points during the module presentation. The findings suggest that personal profiles and photos in Moodle forums helped some students to feel in touch with each other. Others, however, did not feel the need for these facilities, had privacy concerns or preferred to focus on the forum postings. Students also had privacy concerns in relation to social network sites, although their concerns were allayed somewhat after studying material on social networking in TU100.

These findings are in line with literature which suggests that forum participants may not find it helpful to share personal details via profiles, as they might on a social network site (Tanis & Postmes, 2007; Schwammlein & Wodzicki, 2012). The project highlights the need to find other ways to increase participants’ sense of community in online environments, particularly those used for distance learning. 

Related Resources: 

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Kear, Chetwynd and Jefferis, Online presence. eSTEeM Final Report.pdf	164.62 KB

eSTEeM final report.

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Chetwynd, Kear, Jefferis and Woodthorpe, HEA workshop June 2012.pptx	228.36 KB

Project presentation.

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Jefferis, Chetwynd, Kear and Woodthorpe, eSTEeM conf Mar 2012.pptx	225.69 KB

Project presentation.

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Kear, Chetwynd and Jefferis, eSTEeM conf 2013.pptx	220.82 KB

Project presentation.

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Chetwynd_Kear_Jefferis_DTMD13_public.pptx	252.72 KB

Project presentation.

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Kear, Chetwynd and Jefferis, Research in Learning Technology Journal abstract 2013.pdf	52.6 KB

Journal abstract.

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Karen Kear et al poster.pdf	158.27 KB

Project poster.