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The social media classes listed below are hosted by the library once a month. Click here to view the current schedule and registration information. There is a class fee of $25 for NPC members and $50 for nonmembers. The fee can be paid by credit card, check, or member account. Participants are welcome to bring their own laptops, but computers will also be provided. All classes last one hour.
Social Media Tools
Quora. Flickr. Chrome, Meebo, Plugins, iCal, YouTube, Skype, Foursquare, Wiki ... Gibberish? Or potentially useful tools? "Social Media Tools" is an overview of the latest online tools and how they can be used to help you manage everything from the news you read to the way you contact people.
Advanced Google Search Techniques
In this class we discuss ways to refine your search results from millions of hits to a handful of targeted sites. We look at Google's specialized search services, including News, Scholar, and Books, and scenarios where those services can be more useful than a traditional search. We also look at how to set up alerts and how to find old versions of websites.
Twittering Away
A class for those who are interested in using Twitter to communicate with colleagues and audiences, research stories, contact sources and drive traffic to web sites. Participants can set up their own accounts, connect their accounts with their cell phones and Facebook pages, and add a Twitter badge to their website or blog.
Reporting from Facebook
In "Reporting from Facebook" we start by looking at what online social networks are and examining the differences between several of the most popular sites, including Facebook and LinkedIn. From there we will move on to a more in-depth look at Facebook - navigating the site, using it to research stories, using it to identify and contact sources, and using it to connect with your audience.
Blogging Basics
In "Blogging Basics" participants will set up a blog using Blogger and learn how to format their posts, add videos and pictures, easily include ads, and monitor the blog statistics using FeedBurner.
Foursquare & Location-based Tools
In the location class we start by discussing what location-based tools such as Foursquare and Facebook Places are and how they work. We then look at how they can be used to gather information, identify sources, and promote yourself or your organization.
Build Your Own Newsstand (RSS)
In "Build Your Own Newsstand" we discuss how you can create your personalized news list by using RSS feeds. We start by talking about what RSS is, where you can find RSS feeds, and how you can subscribe to them. By the end of the class all participants will have a Google Reader account and will have subscribed to a newspaper columnist, a blog, a Twitter feed and a Flickr feed.
Google Docs
A hands-on look at the features of this online document editing program, including the collaboration options.
Social Media Strategy
In this class we will discuss the basic steps to develop the goals, mechanics and measurements of a successful social media strategy.
Special thanks to the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation for their generous support of the Eric Friedhiem National Journalism Library's computer-based training programs.