Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Thinking, writing, business ideas … You’re only a stranger once.

January 29, 2009

REACHING OUT - EDUCATION & COMMUNITY

kathryn wrote this at 7:30 am

Are you sharing what you’ve learned ? All forms of educational institutions attempt to create community. From grade school through to post secondary education, communities are created through classrooms, activities and sports. Many educational institutions have websites where school information and directories are located. I found two examples of social media being used to foster community and take it one step further. The interesting thing about this is that both individuals are documenting and sharing the process of using social media to strengthen community. 

Rachel Reuben is the Director of Web Communication and Strategic Projects at State University of New York at New Paltz. Rachel launched an online community for students based upon a cafe like context. She created a Ning group and invited potential students to join. Although not a new endeavor, other universities have done the same thing, Rachel is  documenting and sharing the process with her community so more can learn from the experience.

Diane Collier, a PHD student at UBC started a community to encourage dialogue about the readings in advance of discussion in class. Instead of emailing everyone it was a simpler forum. The students could also respond quickly, easily and in simple terms. “The idea was partly to take away the voice of the prof too so that students engage in freer way.We also encouraged students to add personal and professional stuff. videos, pics…Also, it’s ongoing. We didn’t shut it down after the course so students could continue to talk as they move into teaching.” When she gives lectures to future teachers about methods she uses this example to demonstrate the power of community through social media. 

Sharing valuable information about using social media to foster community growth and increase ROI is what sets these two examples apart.

 

Kathryn @northernchick

Photo credit:FJ Gaylor





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7 Comments to “REACHING OUT - EDUCATION & COMMUNITY”

  1. January 29th, 2009 at 8:03 am
    MizFit said

    I love this Liz as it is so true.
    I started my blog as a way to, as silly as it sounds, give back and kind of volunteer.

    As a newish mama I couldnt get out and give in the traditional fashion (way I used to) so I decided to just take what I had (fitness knowledge) and give it away in hopes of helping others.

  2. January 29th, 2009 at 8:08 am
    Kathy @ Virtual Impax said

    Kathryn,

    Thanks for the introduction to Ning. WOW! Awesome app!!

  3. January 29th, 2009 at 8:20 am
    Jennifer Barthe said

    Great blog post, thanks for sharing your information with us!

    Building a community online is so important these days. Starting tonight, I will be documenting for 30 days how I’m promoting my new blog. I want to share this information with others because I want them to know what’s it’s really like to be a new blogger. Everyone thinks it’s easy but it’s not.

    I hope to encourage those that want to put the time and effort into blogging, to get out there and do it!

  4. January 29th, 2009 at 8:25 am
    Kathryn said

    MizFit - Just checked out your site - nice job & a good example of sharing! Thanks!

    Kathy - You’re welcome! Ning rocks!

  5. January 29th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
    Steve said

    While everyone has to earn income to make a living, at times giving can not only be its own reward, but also a way to advertise.

    That’s one of the reason I started my small business blog. I use it as a way to get information to my clients, this instead of a newsletter, and as a way to get new ones. I figure if they like my small tidbits of information, maybe they will hire me for more important issues.

    I’m also a big community supporter. I think if my community is doing well, I will do well too.

  6. January 29th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
    Sheila Glazov said

    Thanks for the information. It is exciting to learn about this creative learing process. Fascinating!

  7. January 29th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
    @toddlucier said

    Hi Kathryn,
    One of the things I love about blogging is commenting. It really helps me distill how I integrate information from others and grow my world view.
    Education is the same. The more we give students the opportunity to share their thinking, the more the learning takes life. Through meaningful dialogue ideas take flight.

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