Purdue University are doing some very interesting things to incorporate Facebook, Twitter and other social media into activities both in and outside of the classroom.
I've already posted about Hotseat, which is described as follow
Wa social networking-powered mobile Web application, creates a collaborative classroom, allowing students to provide near real-time feedback during class and enabling professors to adjust the course content and improve the learning experience. Students can post messages to Hotseat using their Facebook or Twitter accounts, sending text messages, or logging in to the Hotseat Web site."
Now, there is also Mixable (see image above)
"Mixable acts as social overlay that students can use to connect with Facebook friends who share the same courses and learning communities. Also like Facebook, these class connections are not limited by semester, but exists throughout the student’s academic care.
Mixable is available as an independent Web application for those students who don’t have, or wish to use, their Facebook account.
Didn’t bring your laptop with you? Mixable provides access to conversations and resources from many smartphones - including Android and iPhone."
Purdue have clearly (and cleverly) realised that it is no longer about forcing students to use standalone learning systems but to integrate learning into the systems that students actually use on a daily basis. I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of this - both in education and in the workplace.
[For more on using Facebook for learning, take a look at Facebook as a social learning environment page in my How to use Facebook for Social Learning guide]
[Via Mixable PR release]
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