I had a chance to have an alumni panel for my social media class for the first time this semester. It was wonderful to have four former students come to my class and speak about their experiences.
#Freberg13 visits #Freberg14 this semester for a guest alumni panel
Diana, Amanda, Rachel, and Jessica all were students in #Freberg13 last year, and it just seemed like yesterday they were all in class, taking notes, and working hard on their social media campaign proposals. I am so very proud of each and every student that has been part of this social media class at UofL, and I was very appreciative for these four students taking the time to come and share their experiences and insights with the class.
Several #Freberg14 students wrote blog posts about the alumni panel, and here are the links for them. Great review of the panel sessions Brittany, Morgan, and Maddie!
So, what were some of the elements from this experience that are important to note? Here are a few of my own reflections on the experience of having alumni coming to the class:
- Experience and class defined with hashtag: Immediately, one of the things I noticed right away was how each class had defined themselves not by the class name, but by the class hashtag. The guest panelists and former students (Jessica, Amanda, Rachel, and Diana) all referred to their experiences in #Freberg13, not COMM 460 as it is listed in the university catalog.
- Lessons emphasized from former students from class: It was fun to hear some of the best practices and tips from the former students to see what stuck with them from the class. Working hard, doing a little bit each day, think before you tweet, and putting forth the effort in your work will have great returns were some of the points highlighted by the panel on Friday.
- Opportunity to share stories from class: Each student shared their stories and what they were able to take away from the class and what #Freberg14 needs to note as they work on the projects for class. Whether it was related to the class proposal project or blogging or even networking with the class hashtag, the #Freberg14 students had a chance to hear what were the defining moments for each of the panelists.
- Networking opportunity for both: Both #Freberg13 and #Freberg14 students had the opportunity to meet each other, and some were proactive in connecting and reaching out to the panelists after class on Twitter. It’s good to network not only with fellow classmates and colleagues, but also realize that these individuals are working and part of the social media community as well.
- Having alumni coming back to the class is essential: I really enjoyed having former students who are excelling in the field come back and share their insights with the class. Not only do I get to see them and catch up – but it is an opportunity to show current students what others are doing now after having the same experience they are having.
In summary, I want to give a shout out to Diana, Amanda, Rachel, and Jessica for taking the time to come to my class and be distinguished guest speakers. I am SO proud of you all and you are all doing such amazing things – I’m one #proudprof! I am sure I am going to have a #Freberg14 alumni panel as well in the future. 🙂
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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