Prepare: Prior to beginning work on this discussion, watch the video From Facebook to friendship | Ashford University (Links to an external site.) and explore Ashford University Social Media Platforms. Read Module 4 in your course textbook and the Week 2 Instructor Guidance. In Module 4, read about the different ways in which blogs and social media can be used to enhance your personal and academic life.

Reflect: Think about how we utilize social media to make personal and academic connections with others. Think about the benefits and drawbacks of using blogs and social media such as the scenario presented in the video, as well as how you plan to maintain your privacy while online. You are encouraged to get involved and start building your academic community. Find some of your peers online and get connected!

Write: For this discussion, there are two parts. Follow the instructions for each part below in order to successfully meet the discussion response requirements.

 Part 1 – Social Media Platforms 

 Select one of the following Social Media platforms provided below and answer the questions associated with your choice. 

Facebook: Start by accessing Facebook. Explore the different Ashford University groups available. Select one and explain how you would benefit from leveraging this social media outlet during your time as a student.

Pro Tip: Build your academic and social community by friending other students who can support you on your journey.

Twitter: Start by accessing Twitter. Identify and follow one thought leader or organization in the field of digital literacy (key words might include digital literacy, technology, and digital citizenship) or pick a thought leader in your professional arena (e.g., education, business, or psychology, etc.). Share the person or organization you selected and why. Select and then, share a tweet using the hashtag #AUGEN102 and give #HighFives to anyone (e.g., parents, friends, teachers, fellow students) helping you on this academic journey. Embed a link of your tweet.

Pro Tip: Make sure to follow the Ashford Twitter account.

Instagram: Access Instagram. Select an image that inspires or motivates you. Post that image to Instagram and tag the Ashford Instagram at [email protected] . Attach this image to your discussion post for all to view and explain why it motivates you.

Pro Tip: Connect to other platforms like Twitter by using the hashtag #AUGEN102.

 LinkedIn: To begin, you will need a LinkedIn Profile. Describe how LinkedIn has helped or will support your professional goals. Make sure you add the Ashford Alumni and Student Group. 

Pinterest: Access the Ashford University Pinterest page. Search through pins that interest you and pick one. Describe the content of the pin and why you selected it. Explain how the use of Pinterest could help motivate you as a student or professional.

Pro Tip: Use this as a bookmarking tool for content you want to read related to your career area. Pin the blog post image to a pinboard and name it “My Bookshelf.”

YouTube: Access the Ashford YouTube channel. Watch one video that interests you and describe the content of the video. Explain why you selected it. Describe how the use of YouTube could help you as a student or professional.

Pro Tip: Subscribe to the Ashford University YouTube channel.

 Part 2 – Privacy Policies 

This section covers the privacy policy associated with your chosen social media platform and use of social media.

• Read the privacy policy for the social media site that you identified and summarize it.
• Describe the benefits and/or concerns you have with the privacy policy.
• Explain how your current social media presence impacts your ability to meet your professional and academic goals.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words.