E-learning Strategies

We live in an increasingly digital world and we have so many communication tools at our fingertips (texting, social online media, cell phones, blogs, wikis, podcasts...). While many are actively using various communication tools it is important to remember:

• who is your audience?
• What method of communication is most appropriate (not always easiest) for a given situation?
• How does your language, text or symbols fit the circumstance. For example when writing a formal piece of writing it would not be appropriate to use Instant Messaging Acronyms.

Non-Academic Uses of Technology

It is likely that you will spend time online sending emails, writing a personal blog, playing online games, or visiting social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter.

The way you communicate on a social networking website will be significantly different than how you communicate within your e-learning courses.

Your information is private and secure in the e-learning environment, and any information you send directly to your teacher (Using Moodle Assignment feature) will be private between the two of you, and not shared with the rest of the classroom community. The same cannot be said for most non-academic uses of technology

Social Networking:

In the past few years have social networking sites become popular. Many people are taking advantage of this new way of communicating and staying in contact with friends, family and co-workers.

However, because of the public nature of these sites, users need to be cautious with their personal information.

• Keep personal identifying information such as name, age, date of birth, address, phone number off social networking sites. When sending personal information, send it as a personal message, rather than as a general comment, because comments can be visible to everyone.

• Become familiar with the privacy features on social networking sites. Only people that know you in real life should have access to your profile. Understand how to control privacy settings. Most online journals, blogs, instant messages and social networking sites have privacy settings that determine who can and can't view a user's profile and information.

• Be cautious when posting photographs. Photos can easily be removed and used by third parties - once it is posted to the internet, you will never be able to completely delete it. Be mindful of how a photo represents you.

Instant Messaging / Texting / Mobile Devices:

Social Networking and internet-based activities are not exclusively accessed on desktop / laptop computers. Many students have cellphones or other mobile devices that can connect to the internet.

• Only give your cell phone number to people you know and trust. Do not post your cell phone number online. Never give out anyone else's number without permission.

• Never take pictures of anyone with your cell phone or camera and post on the internet without their permission.

• Never reply to a text message or open an attachment from people you do not know. If in doubt, delete the file.