Web 2.0 has the news
Adam Minorczyk
Issue date: 9/10/08 Section: News
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Western Illinois began utilizing its Web-based applications back in March of 2008, when information technology systems manager Karmon Runquist created a Facebook page for the school. The profile site now features daily news updates from University Relations, an organization addressing marketing, advancement, development, student recruitment and orientation efforts.
As of this past month, the Facebook site has gained over 1,300 subscribers, becoming regarded as one of the university's most reliable social networking sites by providing students with the opportunity to post their own tidbits while exchanging information throughout the network. Many believe the new Web 2.0 application will continue to expand the number of online social networking members, as it is beginning to provide direct staff availability for social interactions.
Although web applications such as the Facebook profile now serve as the primary tool for students, Western Illinois made its debut in the Internet world through a Flickr.com profile site, which featured photo postings of campus events. Within a short amount of time, directors of University Relations soon began reviewing the success of the page, observing the rapidly growing student interest in sharing these Western-related photos.
By utilizing tools such as photo sharing, Flickr continues to highlight Western's programs and accomplishments through its direct student interaction.
Recent Web additions to sites, such as Twitter.com accounts, have created a wider variety of options for students to choose from. Both sites promote user interaction through the use of quick messaging, allowing friends, family, and co-workers to remain in direct contact. Media outlets such as the Chicago Tribune and the Quad City Times have recognized Twitter as a valuable source of web communication, while also using the applications to interact with Internet users.
According to University Relations public information specialist Teresa Koltzenburg, the university considers Twitter to be "another way of providing users with important Western news updates." The Twitter service also offers information updates to users through the use of text messaging, which is made available for sign-up on the Twitter.com Web site.
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