Conference focuses on social media for learning

7th December 2015

Learning technology experts at Sheffield Hallam University have organised an international conference to look at how social media tools can be harnessed for teaching and learning in Higher Education.

The 2015 Social Media for Learning in Higher Education Conference takes place at Sheffield Hallam later this month, and will explore a range of issues around social media in higher education. Co-organiser Helen Rodger, senior lecturer in academic development at the University, said: "Presenters will be sharing experience and research in areas such as student use of social networks as professionals, how they're finding new ways to extend the classroom with these tools, and on important issues around copyright, data protection and privacy. "More tools and opportunities emerge all the time, and students are becoming more engaged with, and literate in the use of, those tools. It's important that educators recognise and harness the power of social media, while we're mindful of the wider challenges." Eric Stoller, a leading expert in student engagement and technology, is delivering the keynote speech for the conference. He said: "Social media and digital channels are affecting the student experience in a variety of educationally relevant ways. Learning, engagement, and networking are all amplified due to the reach, speed, and mobility of social media. "Universities have been able to leverage social media for marketing and communications for some time, but the adoption of social media for learning, teaching, development, and success in UK higher education is still emerging." The 2015 Social Media for Learning in Higher Education Conference takes place at Sheffield Hallam on Friday 18 December 2015. To register for the conference, visit go.shu.ac.uk/socmedhe, and follow the conversation online with #SocMedHE15