Social networking sites aid education

Purdue University developed a new program designed to engage students on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

For professors it can be hard to know if students are actually understanding what's going on in class if heads are down texting or typing away on computers. Rather than try to stop students, Purdue University is trying to harness these impulses with a program called Hotseat.

Professors create a Hotseat topic for a class which students can update to share their thoughts, ideas, and questions. Students can access Hotseat via Facebook, Twitter, and mobile devices. In addition to submitting their own questions and comments, they can vote the questions or comments of others up or down, so professors can easily see what is generating the most confusion or interest.

"It's very helpful, especially when you are a shy person and you don't often participate in class. You can utilize Hotseat after class or during class to get your question answered," said Purdue Sophomore Sarah Korni.

Purdue Professor Sugato Chakravarty said students can feel too intimidated to ask questions in large classrooms. He said Hotseat helps to eliminate that feeling.

"It was sort of a way to use something students are already familiar with - social settings - and to see if we can use that to enhance learning and to get them to participate more," said Chakravarty.

Chakravarty said there has only been one incident of cheating with Hotseat. He said he felt the majority of students were really engaged in the discussions.

"The best part about it is that is real time, so that it's updated constantly. The professor can address things as they come up so you can ask a question about what is going on right then and instead of emailing later and waiting for an answer," said Purdue Senior Lizzie Kerrick.

Hotseat is in its pilot semester. The university wants to one day use it in all classrooms. Students seem to agree using Facebook and Twitter in class is a keeper: designer Steve Heady said the program is already seeing a 75% engagement rate.

This video released by Purdue's ITaP explains more about Hotseat: