Social Media is not being used effectively in Higher Education and Universities

Hi,

Universities are not using social media (blogs, Facebook, Twitter etc) effectively.

At present the usage of social media is being controlled by marketing, public relations and branding departments rather than by academics.

Social media has the potential to greatly assist with knowledge dissemination and the participation of the community in research and dissemination of research.

Mark Smithers has written an excellent article on this topic and I encourage you to read it.

Social media policies of Universities are far too restrictive in my opinion and need re-thinking to encourage the use of social media by academics.

For an excellent article on how University social media policies can get you into trouble and how Universities are trying (unsuccessfully in the main) to control their online reputations check out this article by Inger Mewburn and read the comments because one of her scenarios is expanded on by the actual person concerned and it is very worrying.

Let me know what you think,

Dale.