This chapter focuses on how social media tools can be used to enhance
collaboration in higher education and the benefits and challenges that this
can bring. We investigate how two social media tools, social bookmarking,
and microblogging, can be utilized to foster collaboration and
determine why this is important in contemporary higher education. Case
studies of social media use at Bournemouth University show how social
bookmarking and microblogging have already yielded benefits.The case
studies are grounded in the challenges facing higher education in 2010.students, as well as being used at an institutional level to drive professional
and administrative efficiencies; and second, how microblogging has
made a difference in promoting reflective learning, group cohesion, and
professional awareness in students and how this style of social networking
has contributed to enhancing academic and professional networks.
Whilst the tools, uses, and stakeholders vary, the case studies show how
social media has enabled collaboration between, students, academics,
librarians, learning technologists, and even professional groups beyond
the institution. We conclude that, when used appropriately, social media
can facilitate the collaboration that will be essential to overcome the
challenges facing higher education.
The case studies illustrate, first, how social bookmarking has been
used to foster group cohesion, reflective practice, and evaluative skills in
We explore how social media has been used in the context of a need to
enhance academic excellence and drive efficiencies in the face of funding
constraints and changing demographics.