One of the few online Newsletters that I look forward to getting each month is the Ivy Jungle Network's: Campus Ministry Update. It is always interesting, informative, and relevant to those of us that work with this age-group. The latest edition just came out; usually I just link it without much comment, but because there are always some very interesting things that I think deserve more than just a “notice,” I've decided to change my approach. Throughout this week I will highlight some of the reports they mention, and give some little personal perspective as well - my comments will be in the light blue font.
Today . . . . Day 5, the last, enjoy!
The Ivy Jungle Network
Campus Ministry Update
June 2009
The Ivy Jungle Web Site >>
Trends in Campus Ministry, Culture and Higher Education:
The last three items that I highlight bring further proof of the ubiquitous presence of the Internet in our lives: you can get sex ed via text messaging; almost all colleges take advantage of online medium for recruiting; and more evidence of how the music industry has changed because of Internet capabilities. Conclusion, this is the world of the young people we minister to, it is worth the time to learn more of it . . .
Sex Ed Via Text: North Carolina has one of several programs that allow teenagers to seek help with questions about sex via text message. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina staffs a text line with one on one counseling for adolescents – all via text message. The program has become popular among students, but has also garnered criticism from family values advocates who see it at odds with the state's abstinence only sex ed curriculum. Critics fear that cell phone technology keeps parents out of the loop, while advocates maintain that students are more likely to use the helpline because the technology reduces shame and embarrassment. (New York Times May 18, 2009)
Admissions Offices and Social Media: A growing number of admissions offices utilize one or more online social media in their recruitment and interaction with students. Below are a summary of prevalence:
- Blogging 33%
- Social Networking 29%
- Message/bulletin boards 27%
- Video blogging 19%
- Podcasting 14%
- Wikis 3%
- Don't use social media 39% (Inside Higher Ed)
Ten Years After Napster: A report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project examines the state of music ten years after Napster hit the scene. Among their finds are five selling points digital music consumers are looking for: Cost (preferably free); Portability to any music device (phone, ipod, computer, mp3 player, etc.); Mobility – the ability to access music wirelessly; Choice – unlimited music catalogs; and Remixabilty – the freedom and ability to remix and mashup music. (www.pewinternet.org)
Blessings
3 John 8
Bill H.
No comments:
Post a Comment