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Introduction to Social Media

1. Watch the three videos

Watch the video above and the two below to get an introduction to the topic, a tour of where to find things in this course, and a little background about my own social media story.

Tour of the Social Media Course

My Social Media Story

2. Student Survey

I would like to learn more about the students in this class so that I have a better idea what kinds of articles and activities might be interesting to you. In particular, I'd like to know more about your goals in taking this course. Take the Student Survey Here.

3. Learn about the Social Media Course

Prerequisites: You need to be comfortable using a web browser and the Internet.

Costs: You will be asked to read one book as part of this course, the choice of book (and cost) is yours and some are available as free downloads. You will need reliable Internet access.

Time Expectation: To complete all the readings, videos, and activities in this course will take approximately 10 hours a week.

Questions? If you have questions about the course content, using one of the social media platforms, or using Canvas, please post your questions in the appropriate discussion area.

Questions about using Canvas? Go here.
Questions about using Twitter? Go here.
Do you want me to start a specific Discussion Topic? Go here.
Do you have expertise in one of the topic areas? GREAT! Go to the Inbox and let me know with a conversation message.
Do you have an interesting article, video, or resource to share about the current topic area? GREAT! Go to the Inbox and let me know with a conversation message (or send a Tweet).

Instructor Responsibilities: Consider me your tour guide for Social Media. I have organized the content so that you learn not just technical social media skills, but also about the environment and culture surrounding social media and society. There are a large number of students in this course, and it will help everyone if you post questions in the Discussions area whenever possible. If you send me a private message, I will attempt to respond to messages within 48 hours on weekdays. I will skim posts in the Discussions myself, and comment when I think there is something interesting. Every week I will provide guidance about the week's topics through the Announcements area with several announcements. You will get regular feedback on your individual ideas and activities from your classmates.

Student Responsibilities: Announcements will be very important for keeping you on track - make sure that you have opted to receive announcements immediately or daily in the Notification Preferences. Each week, you should plan to do the following:

Complete the readings and videos assigned for the topic area.
Share interesting Social Media articles, videos, etc on Twitter using the hashtag #CNSoMe.
Complete assigned activities (discussions, assignments, collaborations).
Complete the technology challenge for the week.

Code of Conduct: Canvas Network has a Code of Conduct that you agreed to when you signed up for the course. We will discuss some sensitive topics in this course. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and all participants in this course must be civil in all course communications. Do not put the course hashtag in tweets that would be inappropriate for other students to read. And please, don't be a troll.

NOTE: Please do not create a Facebook Group for this course. I have created a FB Group, and we will explore the use of Facebook Groups in Week 3. One thing at a time. :)

4. Learn to Use Canvas

If you did not watch the Tour of Social Media Course video. Watch it NOW.

5. Take the Book Survey

As part of this course, every student should plan to take a "deep dive" into some content area. There is a list of books that are relevant to the course here. Please choose one book and then take the Choose a Book Survey here so that I know who is reading what.