Teaching Social Media to Graduate Students - A Syllabus Preview and Blackboard Course Review

I absolutely love working with graduate students - especially graduate students who are interested in working in the social media industry. I teach courses each semester focused on social media. These courses include:

- New Communication Technology
- Applied Social Media
- Computer-Mediated Communication

This semester, I am teaching the New Communication Technology course. I finally finished my graduate syllabus last night and I am proud of the progress. Also, this is the first time that I have not required a research paper. I am aiming for full-impact coursework and for a fun process for me.

Click the image of the syllabus to view the ENTIRE syllabus from this semester. I always update the same Google Document each semester to avoid updating links on Blackboard. Updating external links is great! I am very excited about this syllabus and I cannot wait to make the course navigation video. Here's the course navigation video from last semester:

If you have any questions for me, please ask away. I am happy to help!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

My Social Media Channels!
Of Course You Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Am Also on Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/drjtedwards/
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Why Did You Choose to Go to College? - A Technology-Focused Retention Campaign

It has been an INTENSE summer and I am excited about the fall semester. We have such an amazing group of students. In fact, over 90% of them submitted their first college assignment to the Provost...on-time! This is a very positive sign for our retention numbers.

My numbers are possibly skewed as well, because I utilized the Education Advisory Board's Student Success Collaborative to send the Provost's email to all of the first-time in college students (FTIC) students who experience our university during Transition Week. Here's her email:

Subject: Here's Your First Assignment (Due Thursday at 5pm) - Dr. Murray

Tarleton Student,

Here's your first assignment. Answer the following questions in an email and send to [specialemailaddress]@tarleton.edu by 5:00 pm on Thursday, August 24.

- Why did you choose to go to college?
- Why did you choose Tarleton State University?
- What are the five main things (goals) you want to accomplish here over the next four years during your journey at Tarleton?

Sincerely,

[The Provost]

I forgot to add...
I also sent a text message from my account the next morning from EAB and I received over 100 responses within a 1-2 hour time period. Most of those responses were from parents who wanted to make sure that their students had the information as well. So, I utilized the next three hours to update...each...cell phone number...for each student. Yup, I am dedicated to student success.

So, this was my week:
Monday (email was sent)
Tuesday (text reminder) at 9:00 am
Wednesday (walking around to random students to ask if they received the email)
Thursday (reminder text was sent to students)...more cell phone number updates from parents...

The results?
All week = a SUPER successful campaign! The impact of the email was amazing! We had a WEALTH of responses and I would definitely do it again!

Any questions about how our campus utilizes the Education Advisory Board's Student Success Collaborative to make our dreams work? Email me! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

My Social Media Channels!
Of Course You Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Am Also on Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/drjtedwards/
Have You Subscribed on YOUTUBE yet?
Become a Fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook!
If You Love Periscope as Much as I Do...Follow Me There! - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/
Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com

Available for Virtual Presentations, Conferences, Keynotes, & Workshops

Guess what? I am open for speaking opportunities again! I am definitely open to virtual presentations, conferences, keynotes, workshops, and consultant opportunities!

Check out my media sheet!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

My Social Media Channels!
Of Course You Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Am Also on Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/drjtedwards/
Have You Subscribed on YOUTUBE yet?
Become a Fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook!
If You Love Periscope as Much as I Do...Follow Me There! - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/
Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com

Free Web-Based Training on Critical Thinking in Higher Education Classrooms

An extravaganza of Critical Thinking themed activities and conversations taking place online specially designed to engage faculty across Texas. Hosted by LEAP Texas and the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Monday 24 April – Between 12pm – 1pm 

What’s on: Participate in the Twitter Chat focused on “Teaching Critical Thinking in College Courses” by following @LEAPTexas and using #LEAPTexas
Description:
At 12pm on the day of the chat, log into Twitter and type in #LEAPTexas(not case sensitive).
Wait for a question (one is tweeted out about every 8 minutes). Example:  Q1 – Do you think it is more important to incorporate Critical Thinking for first-year students or senior-year students? Which assignments would be better for each group? #LEAPTexas
Hit “Reply” to the tweet with the question, use A for Answer, and include the hash tag. #LEAPTexas

Tuesday 25 April

We’re releasing some new resources focused on Critical Thinking on our website http://leaptx.org/coreobjectives/critical-thinking/ – for more details follow us at @LEAPTexas

Wednesday 26 April

Webinar 3-4pm
What’s on: Webinar “What’s Critical About Critical Thinking”
Presenters: Dr Jon Lee and Dr Jeanne Tunks
LEAP Texas Fellow Webinar (Tunks & Lee)
Wed, Apr 26, 2017 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM CDT
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/233913461

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122

Access Code: 233-913-461

First GoToMeeting? Try a test session: http://help.citrix.com/getready 

Thursday 27 April

 – Online event 10-11am

What’s on: Online live broadcast about Critical Thinking
Tune in here – https://www.periscope.tv/drjtedwards/
Presenter: Dr Jennifer Edwards

Have a great week! Thanks for visiting the Millennial Professor Blog!

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

Follow Me on Twitter/Instagram - @drjtedwards
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Can Social Media Posts HAUNT You in the Future?

In 2016, I was contacted by a radio station in San Antonio after a Miss Teen USA's social media posts were examined after she was selected as the winner for the beauty competition.

Some of these tweets were perceived as questionable and people were eager to discover if older tweets should be called into question when a person is selected for a position.

Here's the link to the article! Miss Teen USA's Problems a Lesson for Youngsters on Social Media

1200 News Radio WOAI - Thanks for including me!

Have a great week! Thanks for visiting the Millennial Professor Blog!

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

Follow Me on Twitter/Instagram - @drjtedwards
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Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com

Remaining Innovative as a Faculty Member After Tenure

Slightly before or after achieving tenure, most faculty think that they've reached the end of their innovation journey and their teaching can solely focus on the best practices that they've developed throughout the last few years. Wrong! I challenge each of you to keep thinking, being creative, and reaching students in your classroom.

Whenever I reach the end of my current innovation point, I have to look for innovators in the academic industry. Usually this search occurs online (fast, easy, and FREE). However, after joining the AACU's Liberal Education and America's Promise in the state of Texas, I just have to look at the innovative social media posts from colleagues in the state and in other LEAP States.

If you are wondering about LEAP States initiative, I am including their links below...
LEAP Wisconsin Innovation Hub - https://www.uwp.edu/facultyandstaff/innovationhub/

LEAP California Innovation Hub - http://www.calfaccollab.org/

LEAP Indiana Innovation Hub - https://sites.google.com/iu.edu/leap-indiana/

LEAP Texas - http://leaptx.org/

LEAP Utah - http://ufc.ou.usu.edu/

So, I charge you to remain innovative, keep thinking, being creative, and reach students in your classroom. Use these free resources and learn how you can improve your teaching techniques without leaving your home (or campus).

In addition to the innovative techniques from LEAP Texas (and the other LEAP States), here are "10 Ways that Faculty Can Remain Innovative After Tenure".

Have a great week! Thanks for visiting the Millennial Professor Blog!

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

Follow Me on Twitter/Instagram - @drjtedwards
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10 Ways Faculty Can Remain Innovative After Tenure

After achieving tenure, most faculty members think that they are finished! However, the work REALLY begins when you receive tenure. To help tenured faculty members with remain innovative, here are "10 Ways Faculty Can Remain Innovative After Tenure".

1 - Mentor a Tenure-Track Colleague
Mentoring is very important and it can help you remain informed about the newest research in your discipline. Also, your tenure-track colleagues have the most energy and you have the most experience - MAKE IT WORK!

2 - Dedicate a Specific Amount of Time Each Week to Research Something New
It is important to remain excited and informed about your field of study! Take time to research something new and to find out the most recent research in your field! Share with your tenure-track colleague(s)!

3 - Make Friends with the Librarians!
The librarians order books and they can let you know when a book, resource, or a database that is relevant for your discipline arrives at the library.

4 - Join a University Committee
Committees are time consuming, but they can also help you connect with your faculty and student affairs colleagues on campus. Through these committees, your experience can impact the outcome of the committee and can impact university decisions. In addition, through this committees, you can help your students and colleagues gain opportunities and partnerships on campus.

5 - Write Grants to Expand Your Research
When you write a grant, you can include additional travel funding, request course releases, and receive operations/maintenance funding for your project. Include a tenure track faculty member and students on the proposal as well!

6 - Write a Book Contributing to Your Discipline
The after-tenure journey is a great time to write a book (or two) to share your knowledge with others. Depending on your personal goals, you can partner with a publisher (potentially less money) or participate in a Amazon publishing agreement (potentially more money).

7 - Create Your Own Research Institute/Leave Your Legacy
When you create a research institute or initiative on your campus, you are leaving your legacy. Remember to include other faculty and undergraduate/graduate students on the proposal. Also, the research institute can keep you accountable for your research.

8 - Participate in a Study Abroad Experience with Other Faculty and StudentsStudy abroad experiences can definitely impact student and faculty success. Also, these experience can help you renew your motivation for your research and your field of study!

9 - Work with Undergraduate ResearchersWhen you form your own team of undergraduate researchers, you gain a group of eager students who are excited about learning more about you and your research. Find some mutual research interests and set up a research plan for these groups of students. There are many publication outlets for these eager researchers (and you)!

10 - Remember to Document Your Progress on Your CV and Social MediaYou never know when you will need to pull a list of your current (and past) projects. Remember to document these important projects on your curriculum vita and on your social media outlets.

Have a great week! Thanks for visiting the Millennial Professor Blog!

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

Follow Me on Twitter/Instagram - @drjtedwards
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Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com

Yes, Fellow Faculty Member - Equity IS Important for Your Students!

Over the past year, EQUITY has become THE of the most important word to me as a professor and as an administrator. As an avid reader of the Chronicle of Higher Education and the Education Advisory Board daily briefs, it has been a constant word that appears in each issue and/or email.

As higher educators, should be dedicated to equitable practices in the classroom, and in our programming, and in our services. Student success is impacted by access, retention, and progression. In addition to admitting students to higher education, we should also be focused on helping each student (as much as we can) progress to graduation.

Here's the best thing, AACU and NIOLA partnered together to sponsor sessions on transparent assignments. The presenter, Mary-Ann Winkelmes from UNLV did an exceptional job presenting easy ways that faculty can make assignments transparent for their students.

Part 2 - The Workshop Continues!

Part 3 - The Workshop Continues!

Part 4 - An Introduction to the Charettes!

Part 5 - Questions and Answers from the Session

Part 6 - Here's the Wrap Up Session

I look forward to almost ANYTHING that is hosted by AACU and NIOLA. They are two amazing organizations and they care about spreading best practices focused on teaching, research, and diversity/equity!

Have a great week! Thanks for visiting the Millennial Professor Blog!


Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

Follow Me on Twitter/Instagram - @drjtedwards
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Learning about High Impact Educational Practices WITHOUT Leaving Home? Yes, Please!

I am excited anytime I can learn more about teaching and reaching students in my online and internship courses! However, it is difficult to travel to teaching and learning conferences when we have a wealth of committee assignments on campus, As a result, I watch a lot...like A LOT of YouTube videos to learn step-by-step instructions for utilizing software and how to incorporate a new concept in my classes. 

YouTube has been an incredible help for me and the Liberal Education and America's Promise initiative continues to provide amazing resources for faculty without requiring individuals to purchase a airplane ticket to attend a conference.

Recently, SUNY sponsored a Applied Learning Conference during Nov 2016 and their videos were uploaded on Dr. Susan Albertine's YouTube page.
By the way, please like Dr. Albertine's Facebook page. She is exceptional and I know that you will love her videos!

Have a great week! Thanks for visiting the Millennial Professor Blog!


Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

Follow Me on Twitter/Instagram - @drjtedwards
Subscribe to Millennial Professor on YOUTUBE! 
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Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com

Each Faculty Member Should Know About the Degree Qualifications Profile! Do You?

Over the past year, I've been fortunate to serve a LEAP Texas Faculty Fellow. This has truly been one of the best experiences in higher education that I have had in a long time. Our LEAP Texas groups was selected to present at the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment's Charrette experience. 

All five of the LEAP Texas Fellows collaborated together to form a collection of five similar assignments focused on the first-year seminar (our common link). During the charrette, we shared these assignments and received feedback focused on our assignment design. We incorporated this feedback and then we resubmitted our assignment for the Degree Qualifications Profile (DQP) library.

Check out my submission to the assignment library - Incorporating the Diversity of Academic Disciplines in a College-Wide First-Year Seminar Course to Address University Problems

When you have a chance, please check out the DQP library. It is very extensive and it definitely helps all faculty (new and seasoned) create assignments focused on the following DQP proficiencies:

Analytic inquiry

Broad and Integrative Knowledge

Communicative fluency

Ethical reasoning

Quantitative fluency

Use of information resources

Applied and Collaborative Learning

Civic and Global Learning

Engaging diverse perspectives

Intellectual Skills

Specialized Knowledge

Have a great week! Thanks for visiting the Millennial Professor Blog!

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Follow Me on Twitter/Instagram - @drjtedwards
Subscribe to Millennial Professor on YOUTUBE! 
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Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com