UNC Wilmington: Enhancing Online Learning with Enterprise Social Networks

Dr. Lance Cummings, UNC Wilmington, uses Yammer in his online business course to increase a free-flow of student comments, which he feels is more effective and efficient as compared to using online course discussion boards. Yammer, Dr. Cummings adds, helps to prepare his students for practical communications in the workforce, developing their social media skills and their ability to write clear and concise communications. He offers that accessibility issues are less “visible” in social networks and, contrary to popular opinion, not all students have developed social network communications skills. Therefore, educators must address these concerns in their design and use of enterprise social networks, especially when they are using these tools as part of distance learning courses.