A new way of communication
By Hannah Alattar

A new generation has led to new technological developments in communication. Today’s youth have found new ways of expressing themselves. Weblogs or “blogs” as they are most commonly known have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. Augusta State University has tapped into this communication resource. Recently, ASU launched a pilot blogging website called ASU Student Diaries. Heather Hopkins, web developer in the public relations office, is the website’s administrator.

“We wanted a site where students could tell their stories of life here at the university,” says Heather Hopkins. “It creates a sense of community for our students.”

Seven students are involved in the pilot program. These students were selected, based on recommendations from professors. There is considerable variety of majors represented among the students, ranging from music to a graduate student in the Master of Public Administration degree program. As an incentive, the students who write one blog per week receive a stipend. Quite a few colleges around the nation have implemented this new wave of communication. Michigan Institute of Technology has a blogging program that is nationally recognized for its success.

“I’ve wanted to incorporate blogs onto our site for a long time,” says Ms. Hopkins. “After I’d seen it used at several other colleges with success, I really wanted our students to be able to use it also.

Eventually, more students will be added to the blog, and it will incorporate audio and video blogging. To date, the blogs have received over 9,000 hits since the site was launched on January 31.

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March 2008
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