2.1 Location-based social networking
Location-based social networking(also called: Geosocial Networking) is a kind of social networking in which geographic services and capabilities (such as geocoding and geotagging) are used to enable additional social dynamics.(Quercia, et al) Geolocation on web-based social network services can be IP-based or use hotspot trilateration. With regards to mobile social networks, texted location information or mobile phone tracking can enrich social networking by adding location-based services. One feature of this type of social networking is location-planning. Take Foursquare as an example, users can search and browse nearby stores, restaurants, etc. They are also allowed to share their current location with pictures to their friends and receive ratings or comments. These networks use the location service on the mobile phones to connect users and may also provide directions to and from any venue by linking to a GPS service. (Dash, 2010)
2.2 Social computing in NTU
We did a web research to see what kind of social media has been implemented in NTU. Generally, on the internet, NTU provides comprehensive e-services for students, faculties and staffs. iNTU is the newest eCampus portal that has integrated most of the information that would be needed by students and also links such as library URL, campus maps, edventure, etc. It offers a one stop access to massive information and all e-services in NTU.
There are also some mobile applications such as NTU mLearn, NTU mobile and Blackboard. They all play a part in contributing to achieve the concept of “Learning everywhere”. With regards to social media element, here are three typical applications that widely used in our school.
2.2.1 blogs@NTU
Blogs@NTU is a pioneer which provides a personal space for students to record their campus life. It has the same functions as a normal blog where you can customize you own layout, yet its purpose is to address everything related to the life or studies in the university.
Students can upload either their academic projects or pictures and videos from their daily lives. So can the school departments post any information to let student know more about their services. However, this powerful social space seems lack of students’ participation. Up till now, most blogs are owned by libraries instead of students. Despite its publicity, its slow response to registration requests may be the main obstacle for popularity.
2.2.2 NTU email public folder
NTU email has a public folder for members to conduct internal communication. It functions like a forum which can be categorized by topic such as chat, buy and sell, lost and found, Notice board, Photography and Video, sports and travel, etc. Students and the school staff can post or reply to each topic. One of its main drawbacks is that some subjects are redundant and inconsistent, and it does not support search by keywords or subjects. Thus one has to go through all subjects carefully to find the wanted information, which could be relatively time-consuming.
2.2.3 Wiki and discussion board in Edventure
In Edventure, wiki and discussion broad are most fluently used as course collaboration tools. Students often share after-class thoughts, assignment presentations, useful links and the papers of a course, or even look for teammates, etc. Lecturers are often in to give comments on students’ post. Therefore, it not only expands students’ knowledge but also facilitates communications between classmates and lecturers. However, all these tools and information are only available when you are attending the specific class. Once you move onto the next semester, there is no more access.
Based on these reviews, it can be concluded that, the e-service in our university is developing rapidly in order to provide a better environment for study. Yet, there are still some limitations especially about social media that hinders the communication between students. So later we would like to provide some new ideas based on these problems.
Reference
Quercia, D., Lathia, N., Calabrese, F., Lorenzo, G. D., &Crowcroft, J. Recommending Social Events from Mobile Phone Location Data.
Dash, R. (2010).8 Mobile Geo-Location Application Types. Retrieved from http://socialtimes.com/8-mobile-geo-location-application-types_b11201