Social media can be broadly defined as any internet- or mobile-based technology that promotes social interaction and the sharing of user-generated content. Examples include blogs and microblogs (Twitter), social networking sites (Facebook), and video sharing sites (Youtube). In recent years, as technologies have improved and become more accessible, social media has evolved into a powerful tool that brings individuals with common interests together in interactive communities that form opinions and sometimes take actions that affect societies. In the devastating Jeddah floods of November 2009 Saudi youth members in Facebook took the initiative to communicate the seriousness of the emergency event not only to their immediate community, but also to the whole country and the world. Their social responsibility was not only manifested in their immediate support and help (such as in goods and clothes donated by volunteers), but also by mobilizing civil society through the publication of alarming scenes and videos of the flood. Thus, the entire society, including government officials, became aware of the severity of what has happened in Jeddah. The Jeddah flood has triggered interest in the academic field about the power of social media and how it can be utilized to bring youth together for positive change. Unfortunately, there are also reports of incidents where social media has been used in destructives manners as in blackmailing. It is therefore important to understand the pros and cons of social media and to raise awareness on how to better utilize social media while at the same time avoid its dangers and drawbacks. This year’s Learning and Technology Symposium will examine social media from a variety of perspectives, with featured speakers ranging from socially conscious Saudi youth to academic experts in the field. In addition to the presentations and discussions, the Symposium aims to promote social media practices in schools and universities. National and international education and technology experts will join forces to (1) develop a holistic educational program on social media aimed at high school students; (2) produce an academically-oriented case study on the use of social media during the Jeddah flood and; (3) initiate a research project that investigates the use of social media by educators in Saudi Arabia. It is thus hoped that this year’s symposium will make a lasting impact on the academic community and contribute to the advancement of social media as an instrument of positive change.
Learning & Technology Symposium 2010
Updated by Akila Sarirete, Tueday, December 14, 2010