Abstract Communication with students on campuses of higher education continues

to drastically change. The social media phenomenon sweeping across the

world creates a picturesque environment for the technologically savvy

student, but often an intimidating outlook for administrators and faculty.

While some higher education professionals embrace this opportunity to

engage students through a new outlet, others struggle to adapt to new

demands of the constantly connected, digital college student.

Understanding social media and preferences of today’s college

student are inherent to identifying the best practices to

encourage student engagement and foster student

development on college campuses.

Keywords

The prevalent terms used to describe social media include: information sharing, electronic communication, and social interaction. Visit the World Wide Web, conduct a search on social media and a multitude of definitions are presented. Interactive dialogue within the crossroads of web-based and mobile technologies classify social media’s true description. A relatively inexpensive outlet, social media provides a dynamic blend of technology and social interaction as well as accessibility to individuals of all backgrounds, educational status, and socioeconomic background. Social media, in the beginning, was used as a means for individuals to communicate on personal interest and stay connected with friends, family, and co-horts. Now information is disseminated through these avenues to educate, inform, survey, assemble, and protest everything from classroom curriculum, family updates, to breaking news. It is no longer necessary to watch the 5:30 news broadcast to get up-to-date on community and national headlines. Nor is it necessary to pick up a phone and call to confirm a dinner reservation, a date, or communicate with professors or a fellow student. Social media takes communicating to an entirely new dimension.

Social Media – What Is It?

Social Media เพื่��อการเรยนการสอน

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Students – How They Communicate, What They Expect

Students walking about today’s campus of higher education are

different from students of twenty, or even ten, years ago. Incredible

technological advances have emerged in their lifetimes and have

become everyday conveniences. Prensky (2001) refers to these

students as “Digital Natives,” who grew up with computers in the

home, had constant access to the Internet, and had cell phones that

were not attached to chargers in bags that had to be left in their

personal vehicles and were small enough to carry in their

pockets. These students are more digitally connected than

previous generations.

According to Eric Stoller (2011), “a prevalent theme for 2011 is how higher

education can capitalize on social media as a way to create relationships,

student retention, and engagement” (para. 5). To communicate effectively

with students, higher education professionals must embrace new technologies,

explore opportunities to implement a social media presence, and most

importantly develop a plan that constantly re-evaluates trends and adapts to

the changing needs of students. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are the

preferred social media outlets for socializing and networking. Current

research shows students are online, engaged, and desire to be

connected to their campus. They are listening, but choosing the

appropriate message and outlet depends on the commitment to

success.

Conclusion