October 2007 Winner
Freshman Orientation Software that Integrates with Myspac...
Freshman Orientation Software that Integrates with Myspace/Facebook
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Q1: Convincing schools to incorporate online social networking into the educational process. (1 pieces of advice)
by boogsny110.07.07 | 04:56 PMOk, how to convince schools? I would honestly look at the wealth of data already in Facebook. You may notice that everything you type in your profile is a link. Moreover, it is actually a tag to other people who have written the same thing...I do think this data could be categorized more and less strict about matching similar tags (i.e. people have to write the exact same thing as each other to be tagged/linked together, when it really should be similar things)....Otherwise, I don't know how your exact plans. But, before I get support from schools, I would make sure your app is flawless. I would honestly forget Myspace, and tap the wealth of tags already availble in facebook through the API, then re-categorize these tags into many many groups that consist of many keywords users can type. Then create an app essentially allows browsing of those categories, but let's users put a module on their user profile which is essentially an upgraded "Education % Work" section, but with generalized categories that link more people together.
And of course those general categor…moreies pertain to classes, groups etc that schools have. Now you first let Groups within schools add their own "Groups" and attach it to a given group category. If it's not available they can actually create a new one, which they can connect to a bunch of keywords (that users our keyword phrase to generalized tag system) to essentially make it so even a newly added group can tap into our system that decodes all the specific names for classes and groups facebook users have.
Now we show group administrators good prospects by matching up our generalized tags based on freshmans. And give the admininistrators the ability to message them all at once or one by one.
NOW TO ANSWER YOU QUESTION: Get the student-run groups to do this first. And then Add the class system once it catches on. However, let the GROUP ADMINS recommend and vouche for students to get into and take certain classes. Then, generate a list of the best candidates, which can be shared across facebook. And create a way for a teacher of a class to claim this list with his own facebook profile. Then he can share who gets the class and who doesn't and pose his own questions to potential students. There would have to be some system to prove that the professor claiming it is really the profesor--maybe a voting/flagging system among group admins and other students. Either way, a solution for this can definitely be thought up.
So in summary. We have our system that decodes facebook "Education & Work" tags, and re-categorizes them. The system also allows for new categories, groups, classes etc to be added to the system and connected to generalized tags, by letting the creator choose his own tags. His own tags essentially are pre-programmed to connect to many of the random tags users create. And then, Admins can pick out good students for groups. And they can help get Schools and teachers interested by being the initial creators of Classes. In a phase 2, you can give classes back to the teachers directly. And now that the system has proven that it is working, the schools could implement in top down sort of fashion the way they want, which would generate more users. What you would probably need to do is build a section of your site (or even in the facebook app) That let's institutions sign up, which would have to be manually approved like a Facebook Network. However, after it is manually approved, they could easily add their entire curriculum. Moreover, we would create an excel file spreadsheet format that they could upload in order to create a nationwide format that would expedite new schools getting into that are interested. So anyway, they could upload their entire curriculum, with teachers, and groups and group admins and what not in it. And professors and group admins could take control of their groups and classes by typing in a special code that was in the spreadsheet. For the teacher, maybe it's a teacher's license number. For the student maybe it's a license number--maybe even social security numbers.
Regardless, the point is that once you have the support of the students for something that works. Just build an infrastructure similar to what I just described and offer it to the school Deans, with someone who is willing to help set them up--a database specialist that can convert their current roster of classes, students and professors...And eventually, hopefully, it would become a standard format that schools would have to follow if they want to keep up. That sort of thing.
Anyway, I also build Facebook Apps, and all sorts of other software. Contact me if you need any assistance. I hope my ideas are of some use. Otherwise, here's my ideablob idea (trying to win sprint 2, watch out, it's the ULTIMATE SOLUTION TO ONLINE REAL ESTATE): http://ideablob.com/ideas/439-Ultimate-Youtube-style-Real-EstAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Any thoughts you might have to help me would be great. Thanks.
I like this one. I am a student at USD and I see a huge gap between how much i know about the online world and how little it is talked about in school. I think you are on to something cool here. Is there a website to learn more.
Fabulous idea! Venturing into the student's world beats trying drag them into a lame, university programs like Blackboard. Facebook integration is the wave of the future! :)
I think this an efficient idea! Good work!
As a former early stage investor. I believe this is one of the best uses of capital for growing your business. Enabling schools to use this program free of charge will establish critical mass and provide a platform to attract a larger customer base. An infusion at this stage could help establish a "first mover" advantage for your product. I was also impressed to see that most of the software has already been created, that eliminates a good deal of risk and ensures that the money will be beneficially used and not burned to cover losses. When do you plan on implementing this product? This Fall? Best of luck.
Students entering universities tend to be more open to new ways of doing things than many other demographic groups, so I expect a warm reception. This idea has huge potential for changing the way universities make decisions and cutting costs in regard to surveying students. On the downside, this could leave some students who may not participate in MySpace/Facebook disenfranchised; and as with everything, there is likely a possibility for abuse.
Hey Brando, good call on the abuse. We are going to have to work out how to avoid that. Currently about 93% of college students have accounts on MSFB. So we would be leaving out about 7% which I think is more than just about any program out there.
Thanks to all the students who are voting on this idea. I appreciate your help!
Sounds like a good idea Tom! You got my vote!! holla Brandon
facebook and myspace apps are easy to build - http://www.LessEverything.com
Hey LessEverything - Thanks for the tip. We do already have the Facebook app build. You are right it was easy. The harder part is the integration with the schools orientation process. We have a lot of relationships with schools and are working with them to grow the idea.
Consider also for-profit schools and online schools. These potential clients have a need to communicate with their students and prospects in ways that don't involve a Student Union.
This is truly an innovative idea. I am a college professor and have my own Myspace page. (perspectivism) I always invite students to visit me there. I think its cool to integrate this new technology in main stream education.
Being a senior in college... I wish I had this 3 years ago! Our campus only has 3500 students but we have over 130 organizations to join... How do you even begin to narrow it down?
Great idea to integrate all of these outlets to the student's advantage. Good luck!
That's a great Idea, i hope it will win.
I think this application has a lot of potential. Higher education is looking for ways to harness the power of MSFB, and this is certainly one way to do it. It seems an efficient and saavy way to both communicate information and help students engage on campus. Certainly, some studetns will not be reached or may not use the application, but that is bound to happen. Looks promising! ! Best of luck! ! !
I think that this is a brilliant idea. The majority of students use these internet communities already, so to incorperate their freshman orientation into their profiles would be extremely beneficial to both student and school. This is also a great way to help students get aquainted with their fellow classmates before they even meet them, which will make the first days of class even easier to just get into the swing of things. I say "YEEHAW" to this awesome idea!
I am very intrigued in a good way by your software idea because it would dramatically decrease the amount of **** college students receive and would be able to better network with organizations and individuals specifically connected to their interests. Now I'm just curious, would students be able to control the amount of access school faculty has to their facebooks/myspaces? Because that brings up the issue of privacy...This is a very good idea though. Keep up the good work!
Thoughts from a college senior - will students withold more info from their profiles if they know the schools have access? -will the schools have total access to the profile including photos? (I know my school has used this to bust on-campus drinking) -what about misspelling or internet lingo
Please be so kind and return the vote, good luck! Stevo Perisic
fascinating endeavour! wish you all the best.! Herbert (remember Dubrovnik !)
Great idea!!!!!!!
Fantastic idea to use Craigslist to bribe voters by offering a 1 year magazine subscription for voting for you here. THAT'S ingenuity!
Hello CL, I am in the finals for a business idea contest from a site called Idea Blob where users vote on which idea they like and the top winner gets $10K to grow the idea. Here is a link to my idea > http://ideablob.com/ideas/387 My Idea > "Freshman Orientation Software that Integrates with Myspace and Facebook" In exchange for your time for voting on my idea, I will give you a free magazine subscription (or extend the one you already have) for 1 year (value $5-$30). Once you vote on my idea, email me with your user name and I will verify with the site to confirm. Thanks CL! Here is the list I can offer from: Black Enterprise Ebony Shape Computer Shopper Working Mother Western Interiors & Design Bassmaster Transworld Surf …more Spin Vibe Family Fun Four Wheel & Off Road Wondertime Inc Magazine Fast Company Wired Golf Digest Details Interview
I don't think it's very cool to be pestering members to vote for your idea. Then too, you might consider who reads this stuff and what their resourses might be.
Wonderful idea how can I integrate myspace with facebook. As a college instructor I find it useful to keep in contact with my students. I love your idea.
its a fascinataing idea, everyone in school uses myspace/facebook. Seriously people lets get some votes on!
You have my vote! ;)
Good luck, Tom!
Red Rover is an amazing idea. As a former student leader I understand the importance of getting involved. Many students never participate in a college event, or join a club. I have found that for the most part individuals who involve themselves find their college experience more enjoyable. In my opinion the students who don't involve themselves aren't properly introduced to these groups, or activities. I love the fact that Red Rover links you to groups based upon your own interests, something Facebook and Myspace seems to struggle with. Since Red Rover uses web 2.0 technologies that students already embrace so heavily I can see this being very successful.
Excellent idea! Good Luck Tom D Black
Catch it, catman!
Awesome idea! This is going to be big!
Great Idea, good luck.
Brilliant! Go for it!
awesome :) gl yo
Great idea! Best wishes.
what an awesome idea! i hope you win!!!
This is brillant. It not only brings students of like minds together it also opens a window of unexplored opportunities. YEAH U RULE!!!!!
good luck guys!
Good luck, men!!
Just phenomenal idea to get college students connected to an online community through an enterface they already use and apply everyday; myspace & facebook.
I like the idea of being able to search and find students with similiar interests, groups. This will be especially important as Facebook goes and people create accounts, groups and the searching becomes longer/harder. Its already hard in some areas. This will help educational administrators in maintaining contacts, organizing events, and reduce **** in email. Also, would allow me as an adviser to keep up with students regardless of where they move. Good luck
looks like you gotem lined up buddy by the votes signing in- hope if you win it works
I hope you win and that you can speak at my conference!!
Good luck!
Good Luck and I surely did vote!
It is a good idea and think it has possibility but an amazed at how fast you are getting them signed up nonstop every minute- good luck and does sound like a good idea
These are exactly the type of ideas this site needs. Very innovative and refreshing that it sounds like you already invited a lot of time and resources into it! KUDOS! I would love to hear more from you!
The professionalism of this software will appeal to many students. There are more and more programs that are being used to "link" or "integrate" people's social networks (from business, to academic, to pleasure, to ???), but many of them start from scratch. As one who has been caught in the cusp of the online social networking explosion, it is nice to see a way developing to use the work people have already invested in their accounts. GOOD WORK! Like someone mentioned, your first mover advantage should propel a rapid and widespread market penetration, and I'm excited to see that happen! I think this will benefit many students! (I sure would have like it.)
Thanks to all our Facebook/Myspace friends for rocking the vote!!!