Lessons from creating an online outreach empire

Plenary Speaker
Oral Presentation

Prepared by

Contact Information: doc@craigmcclain.com; 919-668-4590


ABSTRACT

In less than a decade, online tools have exploded in popularity and witnessed rapid expansion, with an increasing number of scientists now looking to take advantage of these web-based resources. Social media portals in particular undergo regular reinvention and transformation, with different tools becoming popular for different populations. Although a number of guides exist online, many researchers still feel overwhelmed and hesitant toward the virtual world, lacking sufficient information and guidance. To better familiarize researchers with existing internet resources, I discuss prospective opportunities and pitfalls that can stem from online science conversations, explain how scientists can efficiently and effectively harness online resources, and provide an overview of the online landscape.