Marius Pienaar discusses the advantages of using social media at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He notes that social media can enrich the learning experience by allowing students and lecturers to connect and interact in new ways. It also provides a platform for discussion and collaboration. Currently, TUT uses Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn to engage students and share information. Lecturers are also encouraged to use these tools to share learning materials and foster online discussions. The document outlines how different departments at TUT currently utilize social media and opportunities for expanding its use going forward.

1. Social Media @ TUT
Marius Pienaar (ITS UP 2 JU Meeting - 8 June 2012 :: University of Pretoria)

2. Introduction
Social media @ TUT
56%
of college students said that if they encountered
a company that banned access to social media,
they would either not accept a job offer or would
join and find a way to circumvent corporate
policy. (GigaOm)

3. • Enriches the learning experience: students and lecturers connect and interact in new,
exciting ways.
• a platform to dialog, exchange ideas, and find answers to questions.
• students arrive on campus, fluent in Web and social networking technologies. Lecturers
can leverage this knowledge to enrich the learning experience.
• Lecturers can foster collaboration and discussion.
• Increase student engagement and build better communication skills.
• Enhance communication among students and lecturers.
Advantages of Social Media in HE (in a nutshell)
Social media @ TUT
Worrying factor for TUT = small %Worrying factor for TUT = small %

4. 5 e-learning trends in HE to watch
Digital texts will continue to gain ground
e-readers will make their debut in more classrooms
Distance learning programs will increase
The online learning environment will be more personalized
Faculty will use even more mobile technology and apps
IT tools and programs are becoming more tightly integrated
Social media @ TUT
http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2012/06/10-reasons-why-students-arent-
using-etextbooks/

5. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
Support

6. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
In the classroom
Apart from using our Blackboard LMS, class
announcements and discussions could be shared
on sites like Facebook and Twitter
Apart from using our Blackboard LMS,
Lecturers should share learning materials
and more on blogs and networking sites

7. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
In the classroom
Faculty of the Arts has its own facebook
page with a link to the TUT website, and a
link to the Heita (online student
newsletter)and Up-to-date (online alumni
newsletter) Facebook pages
Faculty of Engineering and the Built
Environment has its own Facebook page
and Twitter account (@tuttengineering)

8. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
Pride
The TUT Website is the most important
component in our online communication.
TUT also has:
Facebook page
TUT space on YouTube
TUT RSS feeds
Flickr
TUT primarily uses Facebook, Twitter and to
a degree YouTube.
There is also a TUT LinkedIn group, but isn’t
optimally utilised
Corporate Affairs andCorporate Affairs and
MarketingMarketing

9. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
Pride
Special gmail address (tutmpower@gmail.com)
linked to Twitter, TUT Facebook page and
YouTube to communicate about the event
Open DaysOpen Days
Recruitment has its own Twitter address
spesifically to speak to potential students
RecruitmentRecruitment
TUT should offer virtual tours that
include 360° images and videos

10. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
Pride
Online student newsletter
Linked to TUT Facebook page
(supplementary), TUT website, Faculty of
Arts Facebook page, Up-to-date Facebook
page
HeitaHeita
Up-to-dateUp-to-date
Alumni online newsletter
Has its own facebook page
Also linked to the TUT Facebook page and
the Heita Facebook Page

11. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
Pride
Corporate Affairs and MarketingCorporate Affairs and Marketing are currently
looking into the “social media menu” to
determine which platforms and channels would
serve TUT best and how to integrate all of them
for optimal communication

12. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
Professional development
Lecturers learn more about
their industries and fields
of expertise through social
venues
Lecturers can network
with other academics

13. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
General outreach
Social sites provide a platform to
promote activities, receive
feedback and start conversation
TUT can reach out to parents,
sponsors and the community and
keep them up-to-date

14. @ TUT
Social media @ TUT
Free five week course in online facilitation
For educational technologists and educators based at African universities
Participation entirely online
Developed by the Centre for Educational Technology at University of Cape Town
Facilitators:
Tony Carr (UCT)
Gerrit Wissing (TUT)
9 April – 9 June 2012
+
FB group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/229747640470991/
CR 2.0 group: http://www.classroom20.com/group/facilitating-2012
OER: http://opencontent.uct.ac.za/Centre-for-Higher-Education-
Development/Centre-for-Educational-Technology/Facilitating-Online
FB group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/229747640470991/
CR 2.0 group: http://www.classroom20.com/group/facilitating-2012
OER: http://opencontent.uct.ac.za/Centre-for-Higher-Education-
Development/Centre-for-Educational-Technology/Facilitating-Online

15. Social media @ TUT
http://www.facebook.com/groups/30221776657
/
Facebook has archived the less active old-style groups.
If you belonged to this group before, rejoin
Facebook has archived the less active old-style groups.
If you belonged to this group before, rejoin

16. Social media @ TUT
Marius Pienaar Instructional Designer
PienaarM1@tut.ac.za
012-382-0735
086-274-1951 / 086-603-4392
Mobile 072-210-9749
marius.pienaar4