How social media is transforming learning, teaching and research dialogues
Prof. Shailey Minocha
Centre for Research in Computing
The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

Abstract: Social media such as wikis, blogs, social bookmarking tools, social networking websites (e.g. Facebook), or photo- and video-sharing websites (e.g. Flickr, YouTube) facilitate gathering and sharing of information and resources and enable collaboration. Social media is a new form of communication that is changing behaviours and expectations of students, educators, researchers, employers and funding bodies. Through case studies and examples from our empirically-grounded research on the role of social media in student learning and engagement, teaching, and in research discourse, I will discuss the challenges and opportunities of using social media tools in education. I will present the practical outcomes of our research such as frameworks and design guidance that can help guide students, educators, researchers and e-learning professionals who are aspiring to integrate social media tools in their activities.

Short Bio:
Dr. Shailey Minocha is a Reader in Computing in the Centre for Research in Computing at The Open University, UK. Shailey's recent research in e-learning has focused on how emerging technologies can support digital scholarship, for example, blogging and reflective practice; wikis and virtual team collaboration; 3D virtual worlds and training and skills development; and the role of social media in research dialogues and research skills training and development. Shailey's paper 'An empirically grounded study on the effective use of social software in education' was the Highly Commended Award Winner at Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence, 2010. Shailey's research on the design of learning spaces in 3D virtual worlds 'Designing navigation and wayfinding in 3D virtual learning spaces' received the Gitte Lindgaard Award for best paper at OzCHI 2011. Shailey's LinkedIn profile is on: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shaileyminocha and her publications are listed on: http://oro.open.ac.uk/view/person/sm577.html