Introducing my 2012 social media class

One of the things I like best about the social media class I teach is seeing the students create their blogs and bring them to life. Each person chooses a subject they’re passionate about and presents it from a personal point of view.

Now that we’re well into the term, I thought I’d introduce this year’s group.

As before, the subjects are as eclectic as the students and range from a hockey goalie’s perspective on the ice (and off); profiles of visual artists from northern Ontario; an urban view of fashion, beauty, travel and photography; a shoppers guide to finding great deals…  (more…)

Back to school – McMaster social media course begins September 15

One of the great things about teaching is it gives me the chance to go back to school in the fall – though I don’t get to buy all new supplies.

Starting September 15, I’ll be at the lectern (OK table) Saturday mornings for another session of Building Social Media Relationships, a 13-week course at McMaster University School of Continuing education. This is the fourth time I’ve taught the class.

We begin with an overview of communications and network theory and their impact on social media strategy and move into modules on content marketing, community engagement, blogger relations, ad exchanges, issues management and measurement.  (more…)

Presenting my social media class 2011

It's that time of year… my McMaster University social media course is in full swing and I want to introduce the class and their blogs.

This is the third time I've taught the course and as before, topics can be anything the students are passionate about.  Because the group is from communications and marketing, the writing is strong and you can hear people's voices come through.  And because they range in age from recent grads to boomers, you'll find an eclectic array of subjects.  (more…)

Student or master

Last week, I started teaching my my third social media class at McMaster University. I’d recently been spending time getting ready for it (my excuse for not blogging?), finalizing course materials, assignments and the opening lecture.

This got me thinking about my role as instructor.   (more…)

School daze…social media class starts September 10

Every fall I get the urge to return to school (lots of people do). And for the past two years I’ve been able to satisfy that need thanks to the social media course I’m teaching at McMaster University.

It’s starts again September 10 and offers PR and marketing students an opportunity to learn about, understand and try social media tools in an informative and (hopefully) fun environment.   (more…)