Social Media

While it used to be that social media was a distraction from homework, now, your professors are finding ways to incorporate social media into your classes. Professors may require students to make Facebook posts or Tweet about certain topics related to a course, and, some courses even have their own Facebook pages.

While most of us have some experience with social media, our use of social media for personal purposes may be very different from the uses of social media in an academic or professional setting. When you are asked to make a social media post for class, consider the purpose of your assignment and the specifics of your audience. You should be familiar with the general tone of each social media, so you can tailor your post to the type of communication that works best on that platform. Instructors typically choose the platform they ask you to post on to align with the skills or topics being emphasized in the course, such as digital literacy, public engagement, or professional development.

Common platforms and their academic-related purposes include:

1. LinkedIn: For professional networking, personal branding, and sharing academic or career-related achievements.
2. Instagram: Often used for creative assignments, such as sharing visual projects, infographics, or storytelling through images and captions.
3. X (formerly Twitter): For concise communication, sharing research findings, participating in academic conversations, or engaging with current events.
4. Facebook: Though less common among younger students, some assignments still use Facebook for creating event pages, joining professional groups, or engaging with specific communities.
5. YouTube or TikTok: For creating and sharing video content, such as tutorials, short presentations, or creative storytelling.
6. Blogs (Medium, WordPress, Wix, etc.): While not technically social media, blogging platforms are sometimes included for sharing longer-form written content publicly.

Tips for Using Social Media for Schoolwork

• Understand the purpose of the assignment. Are you demonstrating subject knowledge, engaging with a professional community, or practicing digital communication skills?
• If the platform is not specified, consider where your content will be most impactful. Select a platform that matches the tone and purpose of the assignment (e.g., LinkedIn for professional posts, Instagram for visual storytelling). Then, tailor your content to the platform’s format (e.g., short and snappy for Twitter/X, detailed and structured for LinkedIn).
• Use clear and respectful language, proper grammar, and avoid slang or emojis unless appropriate for the platform or assignment. Ensure your tone is academic or professional, even on casual platforms. Use headings, bullet points, or hashtags to organize and enhance visibility if relevant.
• Use images, videos, or infographics to make your post more engaging, if the platform allows. Make sure any visuals you use are high-quality, relevant, and properly credited.
• Before posting, double-check spelling, grammar, and factual accuracy. Consider how your post might be perceived by different audiences, including peers, instructors, or professionals.

Your Digital Footprint

Your digital footprint is the path you leave on the web. When people, including potential employers, search your name on the web, what will they find? It’s a good idea to have a digital footprint, to put your resume and a collection of your work on the web. There are many opportunities for you to share your writing on the web. Today, we have forums for sharing essays, videos, work history, and pictures of our children. This provides us with a wonderful opportunity to share our creativity with the world. However, it’s important to be mindful of your goals when you share on the web and to remember that the information you put on the web is there for anyone to see and will remain there even after you forget what you posted.

If you’re uncomfortable posting publicly, ask your instructor if you can share your post in a private setting, such as a class forum, or by submitting directly to them.

Digital Safety and Security

You want to be careful about the kind of information you share. Remember, potential employers can search for you on social media, and if you post your phone number on the web for anyone to see, you might receive unwanted phone calls. Be careful about revealing personal information that might compromise your digital security.

As you create social media accounts and web pages for your writing, think about what you want your digital footprint to be like. What will potential employers find when they search for more information about you? Do you want to make your information more secure? Social media accounts give you privacy options, and websites give you security options related to who can see your site.