Loose tweets sink ships

At Waynesburg University, we spend a lot of time learning about old and new school public relations. We have classes dedicated to teaching how to effectively use these tactics, but most of the focus remains on old school. This means we are drilled on the importance of releases, stories and conferences.


But what about social media?


Sure, we all use it in some capacity, but we're not taught how to use it professionally. Because we are a small school, we don't have the staff or probably the numbers add a course like that. I think that George Cicci, director of integrated marketing at Waynesburg University, is considering teaching a course next spring, but that won't benefit me. 


All of that to get to this point- I found the coolest  example of learning to use social media ever. 


UNT Students use Twitter, other social media to recreate Titanic experience 


At the University of North Texas, students in the Strategic Social Media course imagined that social media existed in 1912. They used Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook, among others, to see what it would've been like. Pinterest boards were created to model the White Star Line product and intrigue potential travelers. 


Twitter server numerous functions, including a live discussion with White Star Line and the families of Titanic travelers to keep them updated. Additionally, students were assigned real passengers and they had to tweet about their experiences both aboard the luxurious liner as well as the sinking. 


On top of that, the students had to do research about the Titanic. This included reading reports about the incident and case studies conducted. Not only were they learning how to use social media both professionally, personally and in a crisis situation, but they also learned. 


In my opinion, this is wildly creative. It sparked such a strong interest in me that I've been trying to get Waynesburg professors to adopt the idea and implement it both in class and in organizations. Unfortunately, I have no takers, but this is still a unique idea that helps teachers present the material in a way that students will be interested in and want to pursue. Also, it helps me think for the future of project ideas and ways to incorporate fun and learning. 


Essentially this is creativity and public relations done right. A model example for classes to come. 

For good measure.