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University of Western Sydney Web Forum 2013 Social Media in the Academic Space

Explore how university uses social media to engage digital-native students, improve outcomes, and foster alumni connections. Learn about innovative teaching methods and real-time online engagement.

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University of Western Sydney Web Forum 2013 Social Media in the Academic Space

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  1. University of Western Sydney Web Forum 2013 Social Media in the Academic Space Dr Gwyneth Howell and Nicole Bridges

  2. Today’s students are “digital natives” • These young people have been immersed in technology all their lives, with sophisticated technical skills. • As academics and educators, we need to bridge the digital divide by utilising tools such as social media to engage them.

  3. Our teaching challenge • To ensure students understand digital media can empower individuals to voice their opinions. • Theoretical frameworks of communication are delivered and explored through practical activities (including social media case studies and role plays), industry engagement and personal reflection.

  4. Funding • College of Arts • University of Western Sydney • Office of Teaching and Learning

  5. Integrating social media into the curriculum • Started with innovative and interactive online case studies, simulations and online discussions (using vUWS, Facebook, Twitter). • Evolved into full integrated delivery with online engagement in real-time during F-2-F lectures (using Skype). • All underpinned by social and new media engagement. • This approach has improved our students’ pedagogical outcomes and graduates’successes.

  6. Producing Outstanding Outcomes • SFU data 4.8 – 5.0 / 5 for innovation, content delivery and academic learning outcomes • Google, Facebook, Telstra etc keen to engage and present into the units • TVS – Royal Easter Show. • More than 100 organisations acting as Mentors and for Internship placements annually.

  7. International Engagement • Content and delivery has been trailed in Europe and the US • Peer reviewed both nationally and internationally • Accredited by the PRIA.

  8. Beyond the classroom • Whilst at UWS, students connect with staff via social media channels to facilitate learning. • At the conclusion of their academic studies, the majority of public relations graduates stay connected with the academic staff via Linked In, Facebook (PR Gurus) or Twitter (or a combination of these three channels). • This has created an informal “alumni” of UWS graduates.

  9. Informal “alumni” • Graduates contact us via social media for a wide-range of reasons: • career advice/assistance • references • share industry knowledge • personal advice • tell us about their achievements • to “give back” to the university by offering their services as a guest lecturer • share internship opportunities for current UWS students or paid employment opportunities for UWS students and graduates.

  10. Shout Out • Not possible without the support of • VC Bronwyn Cole, HOS Prof Peter Hutchins and Prof Lynette-Sheridan Burns • E-Learning Grants to develop the first two units online engagement • Commitment and dedication of Library staff • Our students who were prepared to have a ‘crack at it’ • Our tutors who fearlessly followed us into the online teaching realm.

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