Social media and higher education: a new era of instructional technologies

INTRODUCTION: Leaders in any organization are faced with new choices and demands for technology and technology-based resources. Selecting and employing the appropriate instructional technologies is paramount. PURPOSE: The purpose of this presentation is to discuss my experiences teaching online technology courses, in particular, a technology literacy course which incorporates social media and cutting edge instructional technologies. METHODOLOGY: Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) have impacted our learner\u27s lives and can now be used to enhance learning outcomes. The following college level course in technology literacy exposes students to foundational online skills, resources, and current issues. RESULTS: Technological literacy is instrumental in one\u27s success both personally and professionally. The content of the course to be discussed includes Internet skills, resources, and communication strategies within the context of shaping, evaluating, and utilizing appropriate policies and practices. CONCLUSIONS: In the ever-changing landscape of information technology, teaching computer technologies often become irrelevant as soon as a textbook on the subject is published. While other disciplines offer basic principles and tenants, which can remain stagnant, teaching instructional technology requires one to constantly adapt and retool curriculum in order to address constant changes. The course to be discussed was designed to give the student a current understanding of technologyrelated issues and the tools necessary to keep abreast of new trends in technology in order to improve decision-making and comprehension of opportunities for lifelong learning