Social media refers to the interaction of people using digital technology such as personal computers and mobile telephones. It is different from industrial media such as newspapers, television, films, etc., in that it is not one-way communication, not usually owned/operated by a large company, is low/no cost, etc.The communication segment of social media encompasses blogs, social networking, and micro-blogging (text messaging), all of which have many classroom uses. For example, one can create a presence where students can interact on a personal level, discuss classroom activities, and exchange drafts of written papers for peer review. For the instructor, it is a means to post supplemental material, maintain contact with students once the course has concluded, and promote enrollment in other classes.
The following social media communication sites are examples of what is available. Each offers a free service.
Blogging
Blogger.com No advertisements on pages.
Wordpress.com Placement of advertisements on the page.
Networking
Facebook.com Originally for those of college age.
Myspace.com Originally for those of pre-college age.
Linkedin.com Professional-oriented.
Ning.com Offers software to create an online community.
Micro-blogging
Twitter.com Text-message blogging of no more than 140 characters.
Next week we will look at specific examples of social media in the classroom.
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