Social Networking in Higher Education

Abstract

In the past five years social networking sites have drastically gained in popularity, but many users have yet to discover the true power behind effectual social networking. Surprisingly, few academics and educational administrators use free social networking sites despite the fact that online communities such as Facebook.com originated with an academic focus. This presentation aims to showcase various social networking technologies and how they may be applied in an academic setting. The Center for Southeast Asian Studies social networking tools―Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Vimeo―will be used as a guide for our exploration and we will discuss examples of good/bad social networking habits. In addition, advice will be given on various online sources to aid academics and educational administrators in adapting to new online methods of communication. Ronald Gilliam is currently a doctoral student in Asian theatre at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Graduate Degree Fellow of the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. He previously received his MA from the Department of Performance Studies at New York University and his BA in Theatre and Chinese Language from Butler University. As a Graduate Assistant in the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Ronald is responsible for the continuing online development of the Center’s web presence(s). Since joining the center in Fall 2009, Ronald has redesigned the SEA website and incorporated numerous social networking strategies in order to create a dynamic community on the web. He freelances as a graphic designer and marketing consultant through Colordrop.