Virtual Social Networking and its’ Impact on Community Colleges Eileen Smith, M.Ed. Director Product Marketing, Datatel Inc. McLennan Community College PD Day January 9, 2008
Agenda Social networkingSocial –What is it? –Social sites –Like interest sites Impact on communication styles Ideas on how McLennan can embrace social networking How Datatel is incorporating social networking
Virtual social networking – what is it?
where a user can create a profile… and build a personal network that… A social networking site is an online place… connects him or her to other users.
Club Penguin MySpace Facebook Linkedin Four Top Social Networking Sites
Social Sites - Club Penguin
55% of teens use social networking sites
Social Sites – myspace.com
Social sites – myspace.com
Social Sites - Facebook
Social Sites - Linkedin
Like interest sites Digg Flickr Traineo Last.fm Blogs SecondLife
Like Interest Sites - Digg
Like Interests Sites - Flickr
Like Interest Sites - Traineo
Like Interest Sites - Last.fm
Paradise Valley Community College’s Blog
An advisor’s blog entry “…Simultaneously as I’m writing this I’m doing advising with a student via instant messaging. … So that I don’t have to have them drive to campus to have the discussion in my office is good for both of us…”
Things McLennan can do… Create blogs and have counselors/ or students update them with daily experiences –Tips, latest and greatest information… Highlight faculty blogs on important topics Use blogs to reach other audiences –Counselors –Parents –Businesses
How to create a blog
A blog in ten minutes or less
Things McLennan can do - SecondLife
Use social media Post photos to flickr –Make photo groups and encourage participation by students, alumni, and staff Hold a contest to make the best tour video –Evaluate on authenticity Target and syndicate all content
Communication patterns are changing Texting IMing FACEing Blogging
Student’s Experience …
The executive experience
Prospective student personalizes their experience
Prospective student is recognized based on personalization
Questions? Eileen Smith groups – Datatel Eileen Smith blog: References: Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything by Don Tabscott & Anthony Williams Campus Technology – September 2007 SecondLife – the Official Guide