In case there was still doubt over whether or not online social networks were infiltrating society, the two articles here and here should put those doubts to rest.
ABC News and Facebook are collaborating for the New Hampshire debates on January 5. Much like the CNN-YouTube debates of a few months ago, this appears to be a well-intentioned plan to get younger voters to actually show up to the polls. Well-intentioned because the Internet is already so mainstream in the lives of young voters, and specifically, online social networking.
Topics that surface from discussions on Facebook political groups and pages before the debate itself will be woven in to questions. Facebook hasn't released all details yet, but it would make sense that there would be live discussions or threads on Facebook from those viewing the debate, and follow-up discussion after.
Keep an eye on this, for it's a growing trend. If you follow the example CNN and ABC have set, these online communities can be tools for your campus as well.
Student government elections, feedback/response about campus issues, campus/civic engagement, and much more.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What's Your Digital Footprint?
How much information is out on the Web about you? Check out this article
about how student's are not as concerned about personal information available on the Web. People are getting comfortable. Are they getting too comfortable?
about how student's are not as concerned about personal information available on the Web. People are getting comfortable. Are they getting too comfortable?
Friday, December 14, 2007
A second look at Second Life
I've been putting a lot of thought into ays to take better advantage of technology in terms of interacting with students, and it struck me that we need to think about our connections to each other as colleagues, professionals, etc. as well.
I would venture to guess that each of us has participated in a conference call, teleconference, video conference, web chat, etc. at least once, or know someone who has.
Why not an entire virtual conference. Second Life may provide an ample opportunity for National and Regional professional associations to host conferences where larger numbers of members may participate (no travel, lodging and per diem expenses to the individual or university). A little bit of release time, and maybe a conference registration fee, and professionals can network even more regularly than before, just through a different media. I bet that there are countless professionals who would jump at the chance to do something in this vein.
As for our students, there are even more applications for functions such as this. Entire social networks, or online spheres of interaction can be structured around: 1) Grass Roots Organizing, 2) Student government training, 3) Transitioning in and out of college life, etc.
It doesn't have to only be through Second Life.. There are multiple systems that can be used for various, similar purposes. A university specific college graph (i.e. the campus-wide equivalent to the "social graph that is Facebook.com) such as TAG may enable students to connect to cohorts of alums that wre involved in similar activities. It could even provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to connect to students on the non-academic level. The faculty/staff who were members of the chess club or debate teams when they were in college can share their experience or become advisors to the current student group...mentoring relationships can be set up, etc.
What are ways that you're using online social networks to connect to colleagues on campus or across the country, and what are the ways you are using them to connect to students?
I would venture to guess that each of us has participated in a conference call, teleconference, video conference, web chat, etc. at least once, or know someone who has.
Why not an entire virtual conference. Second Life may provide an ample opportunity for National and Regional professional associations to host conferences where larger numbers of members may participate (no travel, lodging and per diem expenses to the individual or university). A little bit of release time, and maybe a conference registration fee, and professionals can network even more regularly than before, just through a different media. I bet that there are countless professionals who would jump at the chance to do something in this vein.
As for our students, there are even more applications for functions such as this. Entire social networks, or online spheres of interaction can be structured around: 1) Grass Roots Organizing, 2) Student government training, 3) Transitioning in and out of college life, etc.
It doesn't have to only be through Second Life.. There are multiple systems that can be used for various, similar purposes. A university specific college graph (i.e. the campus-wide equivalent to the "social graph that is Facebook.com) such as TAG may enable students to connect to cohorts of alums that wre involved in similar activities. It could even provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to connect to students on the non-academic level. The faculty/staff who were members of the chess club or debate teams when they were in college can share their experience or become advisors to the current student group...mentoring relationships can be set up, etc.
What are ways that you're using online social networks to connect to colleagues on campus or across the country, and what are the ways you are using them to connect to students?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Vlogging At Its Best
hello everyone,
Todd Sanders at University of Wisconsin has one of the best vlogs I have seen regarding student life on campus. He presented at an Innovative Educators conference and he is sharing his presentation with everyone through You Tube. There are two parts. So make sure you check out both Part 1 and Part2.
He's combining video with wiki. Students share what they want him to do or talk about in his vlog in a wiki. It keeps students logging in and posting to the wiki and then logging in again to see what his latest vlog will be about and if their opinion or request is featured it. One student wanted to know how to make a chocolate egg - and he did! That's what it is about! Engaging students and delivering information to them in an entertaining way.
Take care,
Traci
Todd Sanders at University of Wisconsin has one of the best vlogs I have seen regarding student life on campus. He presented at an Innovative Educators conference and he is sharing his presentation with everyone through You Tube. There are two parts. So make sure you check out both Part 1 and Part2.
He's combining video with wiki. Students share what they want him to do or talk about in his vlog in a wiki. It keeps students logging in and posting to the wiki and then logging in again to see what his latest vlog will be about and if their opinion or request is featured it. One student wanted to know how to make a chocolate egg - and he did! That's what it is about! Engaging students and delivering information to them in an entertaining way.
Take care,
Traci
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Does Collegiate Networking Fit in a Social Networking Environment?
hello everyone:
A very interesting article came out in Wired Campus today. It is about professors that are beginning to set up profiles in Facebook to connect with students. However, there are times where it doesn't seem appropriate to be "poking" a student that is in their class.
And that is why we have developed TAG. It is built for collegiate networks to be built and foster student success keeping key constituencies engaged from the time a student is thinking about attending a university in 8th or 9th grade, until they accept, attend, graduate and start giving back either through gifts of time or money.
This article shows EXACTLY the reason why we have developed TAG for prospective students, current students, alumni, faculty, advisors, business professionals and other key groups to come together in a collegiate environment. We also have our other community "Universe" for international students. I am thrilled as the founder of the company that we are providing a solution that will help professors connect with students...in a comfortable, collegiate environment.
The purpose of this blog is to provide resources and information to the higher education community. And while the intent is not to promote the software and services we offer, I couldn't hold back on this one. The situation described in this article demonstrates a perfect example why TAG is needed in the education space.
Take care,
Traci
A very interesting article came out in Wired Campus today. It is about professors that are beginning to set up profiles in Facebook to connect with students. However, there are times where it doesn't seem appropriate to be "poking" a student that is in their class.
And that is why we have developed TAG. It is built for collegiate networks to be built and foster student success keeping key constituencies engaged from the time a student is thinking about attending a university in 8th or 9th grade, until they accept, attend, graduate and start giving back either through gifts of time or money.
This article shows EXACTLY the reason why we have developed TAG for prospective students, current students, alumni, faculty, advisors, business professionals and other key groups to come together in a collegiate environment. We also have our other community "Universe" for international students. I am thrilled as the founder of the company that we are providing a solution that will help professors connect with students...in a comfortable, collegiate environment.
The purpose of this blog is to provide resources and information to the higher education community. And while the intent is not to promote the software and services we offer, I couldn't hold back on this one. The situation described in this article demonstrates a perfect example why TAG is needed in the education space.
Take care,
Traci
The Internet - 1, Cyber-bullying - 0
Another brief follow up to the cyber-bullying piece can be found here
A signifcant and growing amount of research is showing that online social networks, despite the negative consequences/drawbacks associated with their use (the existence of which pre-dates the Internet), are positive contributors to society, and to the student experience. Yet, since this research is new, and not as robust or sensational as stories about cyber-harassment and stalking, few people are aware. This heightens the knee-jerk reaction most people have when they think about Myspace, Facebook and Internet communication in general. The cons of online social networking have appeared on skits on Saturday Night Live, MadTV, the plots of various Law and Order episodes, and spawned a series of NBC specials entitled "To Catch a Predator"
What we're missing is discussions about Thomas Friedman's work, "The WOrld is Flat", which discusses the benefits to all societies of being globally interconnected, or Mark Granovetter's "The Strength of Weak Ties", which highlights the importance of connectivity on a more micro-level. When we apply this to students at any level, and certainly when we talk to students themselves, it's clear that online social networks are as fundamental to their experiences (on the whole) as cellphones and email were for Generation X (a fine distinction by some standards), or the telephone in every residence hall room and household for earlier generations of students.
What are some interesting points of research that we feel are important to pursue in this emerging field of study?
A signifcant and growing amount of research is showing that online social networks, despite the negative consequences/drawbacks associated with their use (the existence of which pre-dates the Internet), are positive contributors to society, and to the student experience. Yet, since this research is new, and not as robust or sensational as stories about cyber-harassment and stalking, few people are aware. This heightens the knee-jerk reaction most people have when they think about Myspace, Facebook and Internet communication in general. The cons of online social networking have appeared on skits on Saturday Night Live, MadTV, the plots of various Law and Order episodes, and spawned a series of NBC specials entitled "To Catch a Predator"
What we're missing is discussions about Thomas Friedman's work, "The WOrld is Flat", which discusses the benefits to all societies of being globally interconnected, or Mark Granovetter's "The Strength of Weak Ties", which highlights the importance of connectivity on a more micro-level. When we apply this to students at any level, and certainly when we talk to students themselves, it's clear that online social networks are as fundamental to their experiences (on the whole) as cellphones and email were for Generation X (a fine distinction by some standards), or the telephone in every residence hall room and household for earlier generations of students.
What are some interesting points of research that we feel are important to pursue in this emerging field of study?
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