The seminar was very informative and useful.
http://www.facebook.com/MahidolSC#/album.php?aid=141906&id=194080517266&ref=mf
(8 December 2009)

A. JS gave his views on how these tools may help in raising University ranking. It can increase our visibility to the outside world. It is important that the outside world knows about us since academic peer-review accounts for 40% of ranking score. It is extremely important that we, as researchers, produce excellent research and write good papers. Participating in international meetings or being part of organizing committees also brings this recognition.

K. Ruchareka summarized web 2.0 tools and how they may be used in our community. These tools help us contact our students easily – they are already there, we just need to go there to find them. Future strategies for recruiting students have to depend a lot on these tools and technology. Top universities in the world are top ranked for numbers of Fans on their Facebook sites and Followers on Twitter.

I was also invited to share my views about using this technology. I told the audience that I use my blog as a communication tool to reduce non-productive meeting time. Any items to be notified can just be put in the blog. This way, BC meeting is only 1.5 hr long and limits only to issues that need approval and opinions. I also regard Q&A on web board as an efficient teaching tool. Staff contributing to this work can count it as their teaching load.

A. Nattaphol from Biology who is a programmer, web master, and web content manger also shared his views. For any of us who have not seen Biology webboard, I encourage you to visit http://www.sc.mahidol.ac.th/scbi. Their web board is very active and one of the top hits among all the university domains. Personally, I think this success is due to A. Nutthapol’s dedication for using this tool as teaching media and for news announcements. He posts all exercises, exam examples, quizzes, news etc. on Biology webboard.

A. Ekasit from Chemistry who has initiated Chemistry Facebook Fan Page also emphasized that it is a good tool to contact students. A. Narumon (Assistant Dean for Student Affairs) also endorsed that it enables staff to be closer to students. It is also important that we, as teachers, understand students’ needs and perspectives. As of now, most departments (including BC) have their Facebook pages. This is a great tool to keep in touch with students, and especially Alumni that are otherwise difficult to contact. I and WK will talk more about our Facebook page during the staff meeting on December 15.

K. Bunyarat (@darkdest 4th year Chemistry student) and K. Pornphan Nitiphanont (@kimookko – 5th year Pharmacy student) also shared their views as students who use these tools a lot. They are very active in using Twitter and Facebook. They found many good quizzes and questions concerning their classes in these tools. Both students are intelligent and hard-working.