Online university rolls out new social networking site

Online university rolls out new social networking site

The University of Wisconsin Extension has recently announced the launch of a new social networking site for students seeking online degrees in sustainable management. The site is a pilot program that the university hopes to eventually open to all online students.

UW's new "virtual student union" will offer bachelors degree candidates information on green jobs, access to sustainable management faculty and a place to discuss school-related issues with colleagues.

"The beta release of our first student community is about providing a space 'between' classes to share, learn and interact with a broader community," said Rovy Branon, executive director of UW-Extension's learning technology research and development arm.

"We look to students, faculty and staff to contribute content and tell us what tools they want to make participation more meaningful," he added.
The website will feature blogs by returning students, news feeds regarding sustainability and a green jobs career center.

The online education sector grew 13 percent last year and had been growing at about 20 percent in previous years. Nearly one in four U.S. students take at least some college courses online, up from one in 10 in 2002, Reuters reports.

By Mark Danson