Two of the iSchool@UBC’s doctoral candidates presented at  the 2013 Social Media and Society  (#SMSociety13) conference at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, on  September 14 – 15.

Drew Paulin presented “Tweeting  to learn: An exploration of Twitter-based learning during conferences.”

Abstract: Twitter is an  integral part of conference activities, acting as a communication backchannel  for attendees and non-attendees, and is often promoted by organizers before a  conference begins through the creation of official  conference hashtags. But  why is Twitter used at conferences? This paper examines learning as a potential  purpose for Twitter use and explores how Twitter might facilitate overall  conference learning experiences. Through the exploration and examination of  Twitter-based learning exhibited in tweets associated with the 2013 Congress of  the Humanities and Social Sciences conference, this project will shed light on  whether, and how, Twitter use can facilitate or extend learning experiences at  academic conferences.
Elizabeth Shaffer presented “Social  media and trust: Investigating Canadian government use of social media.”

Abstract:  Social media are being used to support a range of organizational and government  activities, often involving shifts in public policy to engender greater  openness, transparency and accountability. This increasing government use of  social media represents a challenge for both the short-term management of this information,  and the archival mission of long-term, authentic preservation. To adequately  address this growing trend, and its archival implementations, it is necessary  to examine the practices and affordances of these technologies, and the nature  of the information products generated through social and technical  practices. This research will provide evidence based findings to support  theory building and policy development in the use, management and preservation  of social media records generated through interactions between government and  citizens.

Several MACL  students have created a children’s literature and media blog. The Book Wars officially launched on  September 1, 2013. It will have critical essay-like introductions, book  reviews, interviews, and perhaps some arguments!

Every month has a theme and September’s  theme is fairy tales and folklore.
Guest submissions are welcome.