Universities study benefits of social networking

Dubai: Universities in the UAE are discovering that when it comes to students' extensive use of social networking sites (SNSs), if you can't beat them, join them.

Universities are exploring the value of SNSs in the classroom environment and are also setting up Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and MySpace profiles to connect better with their students and alumni.

Most recently, the American University of Sharjah set up Twitter, http://twitter.com/AUSharjah and YouTube profiles http://www.youtube.com/wwwausedu, to create a stronger web presence for students. Michigan State University, Dubai, has set up a MSU Dubai Library profile, which lists electronic journals and e-books students can access.

Dr Sharif Abdullah, a lecturer from the Faculty of Informatics at the British University in Dubai, said many universities in the UAE have a Facebook presence, which is mostly led by students. "They form groups such as study groups and alumni groups to maintain relationships after graduation. In our university we started to build our Facebook presence to use the social network to market the university."

Myra Khattab, an educational technology graduate programme coordinator at MSU Dubai, said students are using SNS to work and collaborate on projects. "They spend a lot of time playing with these gadgets - our response is to adapt and adopt the tools for educational purposes."

Are you a member of a social networking website? What do you usually use the site for? Should students be allowed to use such websites? Or should their access be limited?

I'm into Friendster, Multiply, Faceboom and Blog Accounts! SNSs are a great way of keeping in touch with friends and families especially for an expat like me. I don't think SNSs or any site or thing is in question here but that would also depend on the kind of person that uses such. So it's best to make the students lear in making use of them especially for betterment.
Emma
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 26, 2009, 11:08

It is not possible to ban social networking sites though certain content can be blocked. With easy access to such sites, most students will surely register themselves. Directing the students positively and elaborating on the benefits of such sites will definitely help. Rather than restricting students, it would be better to enhance their awareness about SNS and guide them properly. The negative implications of such sites must be highlighted and explained as it will help students make the right choice.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: April 26, 2009, 08:06