Contrary to popular belief among mature adults, social media isn't just for children - and it isn't all fun and games. Social media tools are powerful platforms for communicating in new ways with large numbers of people for a variety of purposes.

Social media is created using highly accessible and scalable publishing technologies. It is a shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content. Social media represents a democratization of information and transforms people from content readers into publishers.

This workshop will focus specifically on three of the most popular social media tools: Linked in, Facebook, and Twitter. In two sessions, we'll explore the various aspects of these tools and give you an opportunity to explore them hands-on.

Here's what you'll learn:

• What social media is (and is not) and why you should care
• How social media has evolved
• The rules of social media participation
• Four primary ways to engage with social media:
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Education
  • Entertainment
• How to set up an account and get started on Linked in, Facebook, and Twitter
• Basic features and terminology for each of these three platforms

Our Workshop Leader

Ernie Puglisi has been involved in Information Technology for over 20 years. His successful corporate career included increasing responsibilities in corporate technology, culminating with the senior position of Vice President - Technology & Information Services Director for a NYSE-traded company.

Mr. Puglisi is a co-founder of MedCommunities, LLC, a startup involved in the development of web-based collaboration platforms for healthcare professionals. MedCommunities is a Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship associate. Currently, Mr. Puglisi is also an adjunct instructor in Computer Information Technology at Surry Community College and does I.T. consulting and training through his consulting practice, Oriac Technology Partners.

To Register

Registration for Get Connected is available to adults of all ages by phone, mail or online through April 12. After April 12, please call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008, to check availability.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $25 per person for the two-session workshop. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

NOTE: If you own your own wifi-enabled laptop computer, you are encouraged to bring it to these sessions. This will allow us to extend the number of participants for the course. Seating is limited, so we encourage you to register early. Please mention your laptop when registering so that we are aware of your intent to use it.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before April 12. After April 12, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the event of program cancellation, a refund of the registration fee will be made.