And this leads me to where I am today.
Today I had the pleasure and privilege to hear Eric Stoller speak at Kent State. For those of you who don't know who he is (and judging on my reading audience, I'm guessing that's not many of you!) he is a blogger for Inside Higher Ed, and he's a HUGE name within the field of higher education. He's super active on Twitter and can be found here. He's an amazing higher educational professional and hearing him speak is the highlight of my week/month/semester so far.
Eric spoke about social media and its impact on students and the profession. We live in a world where students are attached to their phones/ipads/computers so it's only natural that social media be such a HUGE part of how students are interacting. I know we have embraced this at Kent with nearly every office using Facebook in some capacity, and some even using Twitter. Social media is the new way to engage our students because we're meeting them on their level. Students are more likely to read a tweet or Facebook post or watch a youtube video than read an email or a flyer. This is a new generation of students...a generation who grew up with technology being available. Because of this we have to meet them where they're at.
Social media plays a huge part in my own life as well. I have a Facebook, a Twitter, a Tumblr, a blog...I actively subscribe to people on Youtube. I interact on social media almost as much as I do actual in-person interactions. I've met people through online communities (see: Nerdfighteria) and I interact with people on a daily basis online.
Social media is the new norm.
The biggest hurdle with social media is making sure people are actively engaged in what's going on. This is easy with personal interactions between people on Facebook or Twitter. It's another way of conversation. But when social media is used for something bigger...how do we make sure people (not just students) are paying attention? Youtube channels build fanbases who then interact with one another to discuss the latest video or project...or in the case of Nerdfighteria, come together to raise money for charity through the Project for Awesome (another event I have a blog entry about if you want to go see my reflections on that).
But at the same time...social media isn't about the number of followers you have or the number of posts you make. It's about what you DO with it that matters.
(I have had the realization that this entire topic would probably make a great topic for a vlog...so if anyone wants in on that, let me know. I don't have any editing skills so I don't vlog, but I would love to start. Someone teach me!)
Another example of how social media can make an impact is through the webseries "The Lizzie Bennet Diaries." To give a short summary of the show...it's a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice set in present day and told through a series of video blogs.
This show has taken on a life of its own. The characters all have Twitter pages, many have Tumblrs, some have Facebooks...the show has completely gone with the "go big or go home" approach to telling a story. The modern twist on a book that has always been a favorite of mine has been a wonderful journey. The characters interact with their audience. The audience is WELL AWARE that this is a fictional story...but yet we continue to tweet at them, comment on the videos, submit questions for Q&A videos...we're actively engaging in this story, and that's what makes it so special.
Well this entry certainly took on a mind of it's own...but I suppose that's the beauty of social media. It doesn't need to be planned. Just give a topic...and go. I watch people interact every day online through Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Youtube...just to name a few. It's such a powerful part of culture today and has potential to have SUCH an impact...so why not embrace that and use it?
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