Using Social Media to Connect Students and Build Community within Online Campuses 

Presenter: Lori Poole

Organization: Colorado State University - Global Campus

Role: Program Coordinator

Track: Research Presentation

Topic: Social Media in Education

Level: For Mere Mortals

Abstract: This informational and interactive session will present research findings and ways other institutions can use social media sites to impact their online footprint and benefit from utilizing these various online networking options. Attendees will learn ways to build community with current students, staff, and faculty; to leverage classes to prepare students for post-graduation careers; and to connect with alumni and potential employers for graduates.

Bio: Lori Poole graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in public relations/journalism and an M.A. in communication. She also received a B.A. in art studio with a concentration in graphic design/photography from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. She received a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Denver. Previously Lori worked in the corporate communications and advertising arena for companies such as Regions Financial Corporation and Southern Progress Corporation/Southern Living magazine. She currently teaches classes, serves as a program coordinator, and works on research projects for CSU-Global Campus. Lori is also a freelance researcher, writer and designer for several local clients.

Description: Professional networking and social media sites are important marketing tools for higher education institutions. But what are the best ways to use these online mediums? Colorado State University-Global Campus is using social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for many efforts including:
- to build community with current students, staff, and faculty
- to leverage capstone classes to prepare students for post-graduation careers
- to connect with alumni and potential employers for graduates

This session will present research findings and best practices from Colorado State University-Global Campus, as well as ways other institutions can use social media sites to address educational needs, impact their online footprint, and benefit from these networking options. Attendees will learn ways to build community with current students, staff, and faculty; to expand interactive elements of traditional, hybrid and online classes; to leverage classes to prepare students for post-graduation careers; to develop relationships with potential employers for graduates; and to connect with alumni.