Bringing Social Media to the Classroom - No Matter what Your Major is.

Social Media and Social Innovation becoming part of a Curriculum on Prezi

Bringing social media sites and tools to the classroom, I feel, is extremely important. Social media strategies are used by people, companies, non-profits, campuses ,anything! Anyone and everyone can use this wonderful tool. It is necessary to understand what 'social media' actually is, but most importantly - how to use it. It is like a new gadget - it seems confusing at first, and you get annoyed with it at times, but at the end of the day, you do not know how you survived without it.

One thing I mentioned in the Prezi that I want to bring attention to, is the idea of starting a 'Social Innovation' major. That does not seem too far off; it is like the cousin to the Communications major. The possibilities are endless - the class can teach the philosophy of Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS shoes, who helps children in third world countries receive shoes, and he is a business man making a profit. Gone are the days where non-profit meant you had to choose between food or paying your rent.

Social media is not going anywhere, anytime soon, and the more people who are educated on this matter, the greater it can become.

Social Media - Let's Get Connected

Social Media: Web-based technology makes communication between people fast and efficient. It is a great new tool, and one that everyone needs to get to know.
It is unlike an iPod, or new lap top, where money is needed to enjoy such an object. People can connect with their friends, family, favorite hobbies and passions, all for the low price of free. However, it is often misconstrued as simply telling the world you ate cereal for dinner. The endless connections to be had with the world in, up to now, record timing, are endless.

15 years ago, prior to the Facebook, blogging and Twitter era we know today, if someone's hobby was knitting, and they knit a knew piece of clothing every week, they would purchase a knitting book, and possibly show their creations to their friends and familiy. Now, you can follow other people's interesting knitting techniques, create your own blog and post photos to share with other knitting-enthusiasts, and 'like' knitting on Facebook. Once you find people who enjoy your passion (even if they are on the other side of the world), you have made a connection with someone who shares your love and passion. Social media is a tool allowing people to make connections with other people, no matter where they live.

People use social media to obtain information, education, news and anything else that interests them. Having a web presence is vital to stay in the 'know', and to bring attention and awareness for a company or a non-profit organization.

For example,



This website is a comprehension for non-profit news and information. What is interesting about this specific group is that they have a choice between social media and ordering a magazine.



But what is great about this organization is that they have a wonderful web presence, an option to receive a hard-copy of their news, and a way for their supports to follow them utilizing social media outlets.



The information for The Nonprofit Quarterly is available for their followers anytime of the day, with current information provided faster than their magazine can relay.

Through these social media outlets, people who connect with something you enjoy can see what you’re doing, what you’ve been up to , become more attached to your cause, as well as feel a great sense of unity and closeness with the your organization and the people who follow the same interests.