SNAintheclassroomDr. Katy Pearce, University of

Washington @katypearce

Hello!*

1

SOCIAL MEDIAis hotUndergraduates are motivated to learn about social media because it is part of their lives and many are interested in careers related to social media and analytics.

2

So let’s capitalize on this!

Many undergraduate degrees require a methods class, but students generally do not enjoy them

Students demand more applied coursework that is tied to their career aspirations

Social media platforms are familiar spaces to understand theory & analysis

4

Challenges abound

FRAMEWORK

ACCESS COST INSTRUCTION

Few programs are willing to merely offer a skills-based course. A theoretical/conceptual framework is needed.

There are barriers to access to skills, programs, and data.

None of these are cost-free.

Faculty and TAs need experience, materials, and textbooks.

5

The “best” solution: NodeXL

FRAMEWORK

ACCESS COST INSTRUCTION

NodeXL’s creators and primary users are classroom instructors and resources abound.

Built on top of Excel, which students are semi-familiar, with good access to APIs, many access barriers decrease.

Cost is fairly low, a basic package is available.

A textbook with activities and assignments exists.

6

How to run an undergrad SNA course with NodeXL

An organizing framework is a must.Students placed into teams for peer learning.A computer lab accessible during non-class time.

1

2

3

Step-by-step assignments for incremental learning.

4

Applied learning where students repeat tasks.5

7

DAILY READING QUIZZES

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:WHAT ARE SOCIAL MEDIA?WHAT IS A COMMUNITY?WHAT IS A NETWORK?

DRAW A SOCIAL NETWORKDRAW YOUR FAMILY NETWORK

TEAM: ANALYZE AND VISUALIZE A HASHTAGTEAM: WHAT ARE THE MEASUREABLE ATTRIBUTES OF A COMMUNITY

ANALYZE AND VISUALIZE AN ONLINE COMMUNITY

Assessment *

8

SustainabilityHow can we better coordinate to mitigate the challenges of an SNA course?

Sharing of

materials?

*Digital

updated textboo

k? Videos?