January 28, 2008

Growing up on the Internet

Citing that the Internet has created the greatest generation gap since rock 'n' roll, it is critical for those of us working with teens to understand the motivation behind social networking.

The students you are recruiting today do not know life without the Internet. They are the first generation to come of age on Internet. What does this mean for your admissions web site?

• Your site has to be interactive. Why? Because teens’ expectations come from years of sitting in front of a screen and clicking a mouse. And, they are starting earlier, with sites such as Club Penguin and Webkinz attracting young elementary-age kids.
• You are not off the hook in providing an interactive “friending” experience on your web site because a special Facebook group exists for your next incoming class. Prospective students trust you and your site when it comes to complicated and life-impacting decisions such as the college search, admission, and acceptance process. And don’t forget – they are highly capable of managing profiles on multiple sites.  

I leave you this week with a couple of questions:

1. After watching the documentary and having insight into the impetus behind social networking, what changes will you make to your web site?
2. How will you cut through all the media and other social networking sites to capture their attention and entertain them?

Cathy Willette,
Vice President of Higher Education, James Tower