When I was in school, checking my Facebook page (or MySpace when it was cool) would easily get you detention. In fact, I’m pretty sure the site was blocked on school computers. Recently, however, I thought since technology and social media communication permeates the modern world, why is it not part of the education system? Although most social media sites were created primarily for personal communication, now we are seeing how they can be assets in the professional sphere. In my opinion, students should be learning how to manage these sites responsibly and use them to their advantage.

I asked my younger sisters who are in high school and middle school if they had updated the computer class curriculum since I had been there, and I was shocked to learn they are still spending the class period learning to type!

 Kids these days are basically born knowing how to type and manage electronic devices so why are we wasting time teaching them how to type? With all the instant messaging, texting, and computer usage by children and young adults, they are probably typing more wpm than their teachers.

That being said, it’s about time Facebook is introduced to the classroom because it can greatly benefit the younger generation to learn how to use social media sites correctly and in a way that can potentially enhance their future professional lives. One of the reasons social media sites are so shunned in school is because of the trouble kids find themselves in by misusing them – bullying, jealousy, illegal activities, etc. can all be attributed to irresponsible posts made by individuals. If children were taught social media etiquette from the beginning, and informed of the potential consequences of abusing Facebook, I think a lot of the stigma of social media could be erased.

Also, with computer technology being such a vital part of the workplace, I think students should learn more in-depth computer skills than typing. If students learned basic programming skills and how to operate more advanced programs than Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, we would be seeing incredible technological advances in our society.

If I were to re-write computer classroom curriculum, this is what I, Kimberly, would include:

1. Classroom blog (All students would take turns posting. This can enhance those typing skills while also including creative writing, social interaction, and expanded knowledge on a certain topic)

2. Social media etiquette
            - Privacy settings
            - How to present yourself in a positive manner (none of those self-pictures in your bathroom mirror of you making a duck face while giving a peace sign)
            - Social media in professional setting (FB business page, marketing, etc.)

3. Basic computer programming (It is such a needed skill now! Imagine if it became second nature for the young generation)

4. Website construction (Using a basic site like Word Press or Google sites, students can make their own personal site or be creative by making a site for an imaginary business)

I have no background in education, so I have no idea how this would actually play out, but I think technology education needs a kick in the pants in some schools!

Does anyone know of schools that are taking this initiative to amp up computer classes? What else would you include in these classes?

Hi everyone! My name is Kimberly Wilson, and I am the new Mandy’s Mashups social media intern. My role here will be updating the blog, website, and Facebook page, as well as brainstorming other ways to branch out with new projects.

I am currently on track to graduate in May from Clemson University with a degree in Spanish & International Health, so the International Education aspect of Mandy’s Mashups really appealed to me. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Spain to study and intern. Thanks to these experiences, I have developed a passion for travel, studying abroad, and all things international, so I am incredibly excited to merge this interest with social media.

I will be very honest and admit that I have ZERO experience using social media in a professional setting. I, like all college students these days however, have plenty of personal experience using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, among other social media sites.  

What else are we supposed to do during a 90 min lecture when the next exam is weeks away??

It has been enlightening to see, however, that social media can actually be something productive and useful, not just a time-waster when putting off that ten page paper or final chemistry exam (or cheMISERY as I liked to call it).

By working as an intern with Mandy’s Mashups, I hope to continue expanding my knowledge of social media’s professional functions as well as its relation to international education. What are your first experiences with social media? Did you jump on the Facebook and Twitter bandwagon from the start or did you hold out until it was only completely necessary to have an account?

Please feel free to write me with any suggestions for the website and social media channels below as a comment or through the contact form!

This is my first post related to social media in quite a while.  My lapse is due to my hectic travel schedule this summer.  In a 4.5 week period I traveled to The Gambia (in West Africa), Senegal, Sri Lanka, and India.  I definitely raked up the mileage.  I am also leaving again this weekend for another 3.5 week stint overseas.  Never a dull moment.  (If you want to read about my adventures abroad check out my travel blog).

That brings me to the topic of this blog.  The basic question I am discussing in this blog is - Do you find it difficult to keep up with all the different social media tools, apps, etc. out there?

I will freely admit that I find it extremely difficult to keep up with all the changes with social media.  Sometimes it changes by the minute.  I think of myself as somewhat savvy when it comes to social media and even I find it difficult to stay abreast of best practices as it relates to social media and especially, international education.  (For more on the topic of being a social media expert see my colleague's, @ericstoller, blog on this topic.)  I do not think of myself as a social media expert, even though many refer to me as that.  For me social media is a hobby.  I fell into and enjoy learning about it. 

However, right now it seems that every day there is a new form of social media being published and everyone is expected to jump on board and start using it.  I don't feel the need to do this.  I know that sounds strange for someone who enjoys social media but I think there is a finite amount of time in my day (I do have a full-time job not related to social media) and I need to spend that time wisely.

In addition, my philosophy as it relates to social media (not necessarily everything in my life) is that I would rather fully understand and be good at only a few of the more well-used technologies than no a little bit about many social media tools but  not be able to effectively use any of them.  Your thoughts on this?

Jumping on the social media bandwagon does not mean you have to know everything about every social media tool.  To me it means being willing to understand how to use it, having a goal for using social media, and being consistent with its use.  People have and do make a full time job out of social media.  However, for most of us, we just want and need to know how to use it effectively and efficiently and will never fully understand, or want to understand, all the social media tools out there.

In the end, my advice for those using or thinking about using social media is to have a goal for wanting to learn how to use it, have an open mind, and be both patient and consistent with its use.  Remember you get out of social media what you put it. 

With that being said what are your favorite social media tools?  What are your favorite uses for various social media tools?  Also, are there any new social media tools that you have found to be particularly useful?

More later!