The Potential Impacts of Social Media on Social Rersearch and Scholarly Communication

Abstract

Social media has influenced - and in some cases, transformed - how individuals communicate, create and share information. Fundamentally, social media represents a power shift in information control, access, and validation. Simple technologies - such as email, Skype, and Audacity - offer great promise to researchers and educators. Data collection can be conducted more cost effectively with social tools, often with reduced need for travel. Analysis and dissemination of research results can also be improved through blogs, wikis, podcasts, and social networking services. Publication and scholarship are also impacted by open journals and participatory technologies.

This session will explore how social media is impacting fundamental research and scholarly activities in higher education and suggest ways for researchers to extend the impact of their work.