# Social Media Academics Networking tools make learning an integrated experience. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Jun 5, 2011, updated Jun 7, 2011 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/social-media-academics ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Social Media Academics trend? **Social Media Academics:** Going beyond today’s teaching tech is social media aimed at the classroom. From virtual internships to Twitter scholarships, social media tools and sites applied to education appeal to the modern day student—and teacher—who requires more than just a textbook or computer. This person is used to a constant stream of information, especially from peers, and as such, demands more integrated and interactive academic tools. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 1, 2010 to May 12, 2011 - Published: Jun 5, 2011 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Social Media Academics trend ### Social Media Integration The integration of social media tools and sites into the classroom setting is experiencing increasing demand, as students require more interactive academic tools. ### Virtual Learning Environments The use of virtual learning environments such as immersive learning environments and live video social networking are changing the way education can be delivered and how students can connect with their peers. ### Affordable Learning Materials Companies and platforms are providing more affordable alternatives to traditional textbooks, increasing accessibility to education for all. ## What the Social Media Academics trend means for industry ### For Edtech Companies that develop and utilize technology and innovative learning models to provide accessible and affordable education to students. ### For Social Media Social media sites and tools can be leveraged as an integrated and interactive means of learning and engagement in the academic setting. ### For Online Retail Online bookstores and other platforms enable students to access affordable and comprehensive price comparisons for learning materials. ## Trend signals for Social Media Academics Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 34%, activity 38%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 34% - Activity: 38% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Social Media Academics trend 7 featured examples from Oct 1, 2010 to May 12, 2011. - [Tuitionless Ivy League Education](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/open-culture): Open Culture Brings Classes to Your Desktop for Free (Category: Social Good) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating and improving technology platforms that enable online learning and enhance the accessibility and quality of educational resources. - [Blog-Subsidized Studies (UPDATE)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blogging-scholarship): $10,000 Granted for the 4th 'Blogging Scholarship' Award (Category: Social Good) Implication: Opportunity for educational institutions to support and foster student bloggers through scholarships, thereby promoting creativity and innovation in their institutions. - [Live Webcam Networking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vidobounce-live-video-social-network-chatroulette-skype-college): ViDoBounce Offers Students an Easy Way to Meet People Around the World (Category: Tech) Implication: ViDoBounce is disrupting traditional social networking platforms by offering users live video social networking features. - [Virtual Internships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-internships): Toolwire Learning Environments Boast the First-Ever Online Interns (Category: Social Good) Implication: The use of immersive learning environments in virtual internships presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the education technology industry. - [Academic Check-In Badges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foursquare-for-universities): Foursquare for Universities Program Now Availabe at All Global Campuses (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Foursquare for Universities program provides a new tool for universities to engage with students and enhance the campus experience. - [Affordable Education Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/college-textbooks-used-textbooks-buy-textbooks-sell-textbooks): BookAse Sells Students Textbooks at a Lower Price (Category: Social Good) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine the convenience of online bookstores with BookAse's price comparison tool to create a one-stop-shop for affordable textbook purchasing. - [Twitterific Cash Scholarships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-giving-away-20000): KFC Giveaway of $20,000 to the Best High School Tweeter (Category: Social Good) Implication: Fast food chains like KFC are exploring creative ways to use social media marketing to engage with younger customers and promote their brand. ## Recent trend clusters - [Sugar Moderation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sugar-moderation) (Lifestyle) - [Luxury Electrification](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/luxury-electrification) (Autos) - [Effortless Rounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/golf-training-devices) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Rotation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/rotating-bakery-menu) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)