March 14, 2013

4 MORE Ways Higher Ed Can ‘Get Social’

Mar. 14, 2013 at 09:00 AM | By Joanna Schwarz | Comment Count

See 3 MORE ways Institutions Can ‘Get Social’

Is social media the right choice for all institutions? The answer, perhaps unsurprisingly, is a resounding yes. The only decision to make is which networks are used and how. Although institutions in both the US and Australia are using some, if not all, of the networks listed below, it’s time to start thinking more strategically about how they can be used — and to greater effect.

After all, there’s little sense in social media without ‘social’ engagement. Student Recruitment and Social Media

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great way for universities to connect with alumni and peers, but also prospective students. It is worth keeping in mind, however, that its reach may be limited to those already in the workforce and this is less likely to include pre-tertiary students. However, it can be seen as a channel to target prospective graduate students.
iTunes U: iTunes U offers institutions a unique opportunity to share their content, both with students and the general public. This allows institutions to make themselves known and highlight what they do best to prospective students — teach! UC Berkeley and RMIT University are among the hundreds of institutions who use the network to share their world with the general public — from lectures and course content, to student work showcases.
Instagram: Instagram is a great tool for showing audiences what an institution is all about. Schools can post shots of their campus, exhibit student work (great for design and fashion schools) while also using it to promote their teaching and research. The University of Florida is a perfect example, using Instagram both to engage students and offer outsiders a glance inside the university.
Pinterest: Although not boasting the usage figures of social media giant Facebook, Pinterest’s use is growing. Many institutions have taken advantage of this growth, including Oberlin College, which dedicates its page to promoting student work and sharing content that may interest its audience. The institution’s Adventures with Albus pin board, for example, follows Albus the mascot’s adventures on campus and shows how the college is engaging with its audience. Briar Cliff University also shows institutions how it’s done — providing its followers with everything they need to know, from career attire to dorm room decorating ideas.

What other ways is your institution using social media to boost student engagement?