Understanding and Using Social Media on College Campuses

A Practical Guide for Higher Education Professionals

By (author) Brandon C. Waite, Darren A. Wheeler

Not available to order

Publication date:

08 August 2016

Length of book:

110 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475826951

The purpose of this book is to help higher education professionals approach social media initiatives strategically. It presents a framework for systematically thinking about the Internet Technology Environments (ITE) in which faculty, staff, and administrators operate. By foregoing a one-size-fits-all approach to social media use on campuses for one that is based upon structured inquiry, individuals can discern their unique campus environment and prepare for the challenges and opportunities they are likely to encounter. In addition to explaining why social media use on college campuses is glaringly inconsistent, the book highlights the approaches faculty and staff might take when designing and implementing social media initiatives, given the type of environment in which they work. It also introduces strategies these actors and administrators can utilize to strengthen their ITEs, ultimately facilitating the successful incorporation of social media technology into campus communications.

Dedication
Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction: Web 2.0 and Higher Education
History of Web 1.0
Web 2.0 Characteristics
Key Players in the Social Media Landscape
Social Media On College Campuses
Organizational Culture and Higher Education
The Internet Technology Environment
Chapter Outlines
Chapter 2: Social Media Initiatives: Institutional-Level Issues
Character and Identity
Resources
Compensation and Recognition
Policies
Conclusion
Chapter 3: Social Media Initiatives: Department-Level Issues
Academic Departments
Character and Identity
Resources
Compensation and Recognition
Policies
Conclusion
Chapter 4: Case Study: The Ball State University Political Science Facebook Page
Institutional-Level ITE
Departmental-Level ITE
Social Media and the Political Science at BSU
The Ball State University Political Science Department Facebook Page
Conclusion
Chapter 5: Putting It All Together
Behavior Strategies for Faculty and Staff: Social Media Ethos
Strategies for Administrators
Keys to Web 2.0 Success
Conclusion

Bibliography
Index
About the Authors

“Social media has become part of the fabric of most people's lives in the United States. It's as ubiquitous and common as is television, music, and use of the telephone. In Understanding and Using Social Media on College Campuses, Dr. Waite and Dr. Wheeler discuss the need for including social media as a major component of institutional and departmental communication and for instructional practices in higher education learning environments. They then describe a framework and model for examining and improving on social media use as a means for communication and as an educational tool that has value for policy makers, administrators, and faculty in higher education institutions. Especially impressive is their discussion of developing a Social Media Ethos, where social media initiatives are encouraged, supported, and rewarded. For any higher education personnel who has an interest in social media use within their institutions, this practical guide is a must read.”