Social And Student Engagement #1
1. Students should be provided a way to interact with other students in an online community (outside the course).
Deficient Developing Accomplished Exemplary
Students are provided full access to Zoom, our web conferencing tool, so that they can set up their own meetings 24/7. Students use this tool for group project meetings, presentation recordings sessions, and group organization board meetings. Instructions for setting up sessions are posted on the School’s web site.
Zoom includes an instant messaging tool that connects students and faculty. Students and faculty can communicate with others at the School by adding them to their list of individual contacts. The School provides instructions for getting started with Zoom IM.
The School of Information also encourages networking at the local geographic level. A tool branded “iSchoolAlert” is used to send announcements of local events to students and faculty within a defined radius of a specific city. For example, when a conference reception is held in conjunction with a professional conference at which iSchool will have a presence, invitations are sent to all students in the area. This opportunity to meet other students in the same online program has led to the formation of online networking groups that connect students living in specific regions.
The iSchool’s Facebook page offers students, faculty, alumni, and other interested community members a virtual space to share information and comments.
Our School hosts student chapters of national professional associations, providing opportunities for our students to serve in leadership roles, engage in professional development activities, and expand their professional network
Our School’s American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC) was recognized as the ALA Student Chapter of the Year in 2009, 2010, and 2014, and was honored as the runner-up for this award in 2011. In their recognition of the student chapter’s accomplishments, ALA leaders singled out the group’s commitment to member engagement, retention, and outreach, including utilizing a range of social media and other virtual communication channels. ALASC is very active and hosts multiple events throughout the year. The chapter connects with students through its blog as well as through social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. ALASC hosts online seminars, on-site library tours, and other events.
Our School’s Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) Student Chapter was recognized as the ASIS&T Student Chapter of the Year in 2012, just a year after the chapter was reactivated in 2011. The chapter provides a range of tools to support ongoing interaction for its members, including a dedicated instant messaging channel, as well as a news feed and discussion forum that are integrated into the School’s online learning management system. In addition, the chapter shares news and interacts with students via its presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Our School’s Special Libraries Association Student Chapter has also won several awards
The Director meets twice a year with the Student Leadership to discuss initiatives. Student leaders also organize virtual events and meetings that are promoted through the iSchool Alert system and the events calendar.
