Introduction to Social Networks

Get involved in the move from in-person to online communication.  Learn what social networks are and their role in your business and personal life.  Find out the top sites and how businesses are using the sites for communication, customer retention, branding, marketing, market research, needs assessment and serving customers and clients.  Explore the options for your organization.  Look at case studies of what other organizations are doing.  Let your instructor guide your exploration of Facebook and YouTube.  For anyone interested in social networks.

Your instructor is a nationally known speaker, consultant and trainer on social networks and social media.

Online, one month; February, April, June and September; $195; Jennifer H. Selke, instructor.

 outlineCourse Outline

Unit 1.
What is Social Media Marketing
Definition of social media
The evolution of social media
Tools and technology available
The logistics of time and resources

Unit 2.
How Online Communities Have Changed Marketing and Branding
Marketing and branding online
Engaging users online
Top sites for business and work in social networks
Common misconceptions and mistakes in using social networks

Unit 3.
Business and Work Applications of Social Networks
A review of various social networks and their characteristics
Business uses of social networks
Strategies for social networks and work
Examples and case studies of work applications of social networks

Unit 4.
Using Facebook to Promote Your Brand and Engage Your Customers
Setting up a Facebook Account
How to interact with others using Facebook
Creating networks and communication using Facebook
Business uses of Facebook

Question MarkAbout online learning

Online learning is a fun, enjoyable and very productive way to learn. Millions of people are learning online each year. You will engage with the instructor and other participants. You will get to know your instructor and other participants. You may make friends.  It’s easy. It’s fun. 

GearsHow the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.

CalendarParticipate when you want

Participants can participate as little or as much as you want.
You can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.
For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.

ChecklistWhat you will do

For each Unit, you will:

  • Read the print readings (about 20 pages a week)
  • Have the option of accessing the online readings
  • Listen to the audio presentation for the Unit and view the slides
  • Have the option of taking a self-quiz to see how much you have learned
  • Engage in written online discussion with your instructor and other participants

For best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each week.
The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

DiscussionDiscussion

The Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.

Your instructor will log into the Discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.

We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each week to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.

It’s easy. It’s fun.

Next course starts:
Sorry, this course has been updated. For more information, please visitIntroduction to Social Media

About the Instructor

Jennifer Selke, social media expertJennifer Selke is a nationally known expert, speaker and consultant in the area of social media.  She is a faculty member in the University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Education and is affiliated with the Berkeley Center for New Media. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from U.C. Berkeley.

Jennifer is a licensed educational psychologist in private practice. Her technology interests have taken her into the blogging and social media world where she runs a popular blog. She speaks at national conferences on the subject of social networks, writes articles on the subject, and conducts webinars for professionals on the topic.

Directional ArrowsCourse Objectives

  • To provide the student with a clear understanding of what social networks are
  • To provide information and examples of how businesses are using social networks
  • Through the use of case studies, give students information on how to employ social networks in for a variety of business applications
  • To give students information about the forces making social networking a necessity as a business tool

Puzzle PiecesCourse Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course you will:

  • Be able to use specific success metrics to evaluate the appropriateness of different sites
  • Create clear goals and objectives for improving business success through social networking
  • Create strategies for incorporation of social networking into your overall business plan
  • Track and evaluate the impact of social networks in meeting your business goals