It is that time of year where we are almost finished with fall classes and the start of finals are shortly upon us. Final papers and presentations are getting ready to share and even conference deadlines for professors are keeping everyone busy. However, it’s also the time where registration starts for spring courses, and one class I will be teaching again this spring is my social media class, or otherwise known as #Freberg15.
This is the one class where you have to be 1) constantly prepping for content and topics to cover, 2) updating assignments to be relevant and creative for your students and 3) bringing forth great guest speakers to share their insights and perspectives with the class. I have shared this with fellow professors who are also teaching a social media class at their respective universities as well – it seems to be a common perspective for #smprofs [social media professors].
There are a few things I am doing differently for this class compared to others before. Here are some of the updated changes:
- Establishing a Hootfeed: For my class, we will still be using the class hashtag [#Freberg15] to create updates, share content relevant for class, blog posts, and live tweet during guest lectures.
- Adding new books + resources for the students: I have three books that will be required for my students to purchase, but they are all related and focused more on social media strategy. Plus, there is a new book that is about to come out and I am beyond thrilled to have him speak to our class via Skype. Should be a great opportunity for the students! Stay tuned. However, for each day we have for class, there will be additional online resources I have collected and will add for the students to read on their own time that will help them with their assignments.
- Great guest speakers both in person and virtually: Again, I am very excited to have on board some amazing professionals who will be able to speak to my class in the spring and share their insights on social media. Some will be coming in virtually, but others will be here in person.
- Amazing hands on experience with social media with clients: I have two truly amazing clients this semester for the class to work on. The groups will be split into six [for a total of four groups where two groups will work with one client and two groups will work with another]. I will be sharing more on these two clients, but two clues involve food/tourism, and the other is event planning / red carpet. Very excited for my students!
- Using Hootsuite University: Ever since Bill Ward shared this with me nearly two years ago, this has been a huge hit with my students. We will have the students work on HSU again and get them familiar with the program and listen to all of the great lecture videos and resources from Hootsuite.
Overall, I am very excited about this class – it has evolved so much over the last few years and it’s been a favorite of mine. One thing I have noticed since I started teaching the class is how it’s been a topic of conversation not only on campus, but off campus as well, which is always exciting.
However, one thing I have noticed with my class for the spring is how students are now sending me their resumes in order to enroll into the class. This has been a first for me – but I think it’s impressive to see the students being active to be part of #Freberg15.
I’ll share more details and specifics about the class shortly – hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen