Social media is a constantly evolving field that presents challenges and opportunities for those in higher education. For the less confident it can feel overwhelming – as though there’s too much to know, and it’s hard to know where to start. The more experienced may struggle to fine examples of practice that can relate or easily be tailored to their area.

http://go.shu.ac.uk/shusome is a new resource at Sheffield Hallam dedicated to sharing guidance on the use of social media in teaching and learning.

Along with a wide range of case studies of how SHU colleagues are already using social media in LTA, this resource provides information and guidance on a number of topics including –

• What is social media? – a general introduction, links to basic information and explanations of tools, and more broad description of nature and potential of social media.
• Why use social media in LTA? – sharing some of the opportunities and pedagogic benefits of using social media in teaching, or encouraging students to drive their own learning through it.
• Understanding your responsibilities – some of the biggest barriers are understanding what good practice is, knowing how to locate formal policies and regulations, and knowing whether there are certain things which should be avoided, or more tightly managed.
• Supporting students – linking to resources and suggesting approaches
• Getting started – helping you to find your own starting point, and to work through some of the key considerations.

This site is constantly evolving, so if you have suggestions or questions please feed back to Helen Rodger (h.m.rodger@shu.ac.uk).