Social Networking with Web 2.0: A Comparative Study of On-Campus and On-line Students

Abstract

In this presentation Barbara Frey and Lorna Kearns summarize a study of back channel communication that took place at the University of Pittsburgh among on-campus and online learners enrolled in the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Program in summer 2008. They define “back channel communication” as the communication in which students engage outside of the structured course activities and discussions. It includes telephone conversations, social networking, email, RSS readers, calendaring, and instant/text messaging. In particular, they compare the use of social technologies and communication strategies between the on-campus and online students and discuss how usage varies according to age. Situating the presentation within the context of social learning, they will discuss how this communication enhances student learning and satisfaction with their program.