Sense of Community On-Campus

An outsider to Higher Education may think that campuses of higher learning would be a haven for social media use; however, that is not the case. A report by Ewbank, Foulger, and Carter (2010), remarks that instead, teachers used social media primarily for personal communications, not those of an academic nature. In reviewing one campuses Facebook page it was determined that a majority of communication referred to accomplishments, press releases, and that the fans were mostly its own faculty and staff (Ewbank, Foulger, & 2010).

So, does this type of presence instill a sense of community in the campus? Probably not.

What is Social Media?

According to Wikipedia, “social media” are for social interaction, using highly accessible communication techniques. Interactive dialogue within the crossroads of web-based and mobile technologies encompasses what social media is all about. It is a dynamic blend of technology and social interaction that is relatively inexpensive and accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, education status, and socioeconomic background.

In its raw beginning social media was used as a means for individuals to communicate on personal interest and stay connected with friends, family, and co-horts. Now information is disseminated through these avenues not only for personal interest but, to educate, inform, survey, assemble, and protest everything from classroom curriculum, family updates, and breaking news.

It is no longer necessary to watch the 5:30 news broadcast to get up-to-date on community and national headlines. Nor is it necessary to pick up a phone and call to confirm a dinner reservation, a date, or communicate with professors or a fellow student. Social media takes communicating to a entirely new level.

Note to readers, Wikipedia is not known to visitors as social media, but in many respects this outlet too has an interactive component that, in many classrooms and noted by many professors, creates questionable references.

Social Media. (n.d.) Retrieved from Wikipedia on March 10, 2011.
Wiki:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media

Social Media on Campuses of Higher Education

It is a slow go, but social media has made its presence in classrooms on many campuses of higher education. Faculty are utilizing media outlets to communicate with students and a significant increase is occurring in incorporating curriculum dissemination too.

Question is....is social media a good outlet for encouraging student engagement and involvement? This blog will look at varying social media applications, their uses, and the potential for grabbing the attention of the techno-savvy college students.