AT THE HALFWAY point of an academic module that challenges athletes to learn efficient social networking, I've discovered I can learn how to improve the teaching and learning by asking students about the curriculum.
Sharing with Stefan and Stephen
Our social media syllabus pushes the envelope in several places while students learn practical ways of building a personal brand. The syllabus requires the use of several online properties like Twitter and Iconosquare that are often blocked by network constraints. It also asks students to complete co-authoring tasks using Microsoft Powerpoint Online.
I've discovered most of the sport and conditioning students in this special programme enjoy Instagram over any other social network. Instagram is simple. It rewards well-composed work with viewers and engagement. Seeing how this is panning out, I need to specify pathways to be followed by students new to online social networks.
During late 2014, I work with the largest group of social media students. I have 56 students spread across nine hours of contact time. They earn credit for creating viable online identities, editing shared electronic assets, compiling research notes and putting themselves on the map.
As we plan to evolve this practical academic programme, I will add case studies and a requirement to explore the role of social media as articulated by strategic plans of various organisations. Stay tuned for updates.
[Bernie Goldbach is the senior pilot creative multimedia lecturer in the Limerick Institute of Technology.]
