Challenges in Extending the Virtual Learning Environment Into Social Networks - Keeping Staff and Students Together

In the last five years social networking has become an integral part of life in many countries around the world. As with any technology it is tempting to see these connected online spaces as a new solution to existing problems of student engagement with Higher Education. In this paper we look, albeit on a small scale, at the desire of students to allow educators into their online personal lives, the willingness of staff to embrace the challenge to existing methods, and our ability to integrate social networks with virtual learning environments without sacrificing the privacy of either party.