98th ESA Annual Meeting (August 4 -- 9, 2013)

August 03 - 09, 2013

WK 1

CANCELLED - Learning to e-Volve: Networking, Collaboration, Education and Outreach in the Age of Facebook and Twitter

We live in a digital age. The internet has transformed daily life, connecting people and communities in unprecedented ways. News spreads at the speed of twitter, Wikipedia and Google are the nation’s primary source of information, and more than half of Americans say they talk to people more online than they do in real life. Whether we like it or not, social media is an integral part of conducting and disseminating science in today’s world. For scientists, social media has the potential to enhance scientific collaboration, increase dialogue with the public, and address broader impacts and outreach required by public research funding. Yet despite the immense potential benefits, many scientists are hesitant to use new media technologies in their professional life. This workshop will demystify the complex new digital ecosystem to dispel the fears many science professionals have when it comes to online interactions and fight against the stigma attached to online communication mediums. It will begin by explaining the relevance and importance of new media to scientists of all backgrounds, including exciting examples of how these platforms are transforming research and outreach. Participants will then be introduced briefly to the new media landscape, including the who, what and why of the major platforms. Finally, participants will get the chance to start implementing a new media strategy for themselves or their lab by setting up at least one new media account right then and there.