We hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and that your new year is off to a great start! As we look forward to 2018, we want to make sure you’re aware of all the great opportunities in the ABSMCC this spring semester. Here’s a look at what you can expect:

NEW ASSISTANT-IN-RESIDENCE HOURS

Interested in learning more about the ABSMCC or Social Studio technology? Drop in during assistant-in-residence hours to talk with one of our graduate students that will be able to answer any of your questions. You don’t need to make an appointment – just show up to 460 COMM during any of the days/times listed below:

• Mondays 10:00am-11:30am
• Tuesdays 2:00pm-3:30pm
• Wednesdays 3:00pm-5:00pm

INTERESTED IN SCHEDULING A SOFTWARE DEMO?

Social media analytics reflect a rapidly growing trend in communication research and practice. We are thrilled to provide software demonstrations to classes, staff, and faculty members interested in learning more about the various applications and opportunities Social Studio has to offer. Reach out to Dr. Courtney Childers or Brandon Boatwright to schedule a demonstration.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

As we keep up with the most relevant social media chatter of the day, we like to post some of what we find on our Twitter and Instagram feeds. Have suggestions for conversations we should look into? Send us a message!

We’re looking forward to a busy and exciting year in 2018. We’ll be sure to keep you in the loop!

Well, the day has finally arrived! After months (even centuries!) of anticipation, the total solar eclipse has made its way to the state of Tennessee. As stargazers and solar enthusiasts track the sun’s movement across the United States, we will be tracking their conversations on social media to share their perspective from the Knoxville area.

We’ll update throughout the day since we know there will be PLENTY of mentions once the eclipse finally reaches us.

Here’s what the conversation looks like as of 11:45 am.  Notice the words “drive” and “driving” in the word cloud? Traffic is definitely one of the major topics this morning. Be safe out there!

UPDATE 2:50 pm EST

What a view! The anticipation leading up to the eclipse in Knoxville was captured through our Social Studio topic profile which gathered posts across social media platforms that included the words “Knoxville” and “eclipse” occurring together. Check out the graph below that showed just how much conversation spiked during the event.

UPDATE 7:45 pm EST

It appears that everything is back to normal now. The sun is shining, and the traffic is receding. Lots of folks shared their eclipse stories in Knoxville today, and many shared positive stories of what they saw. Some, on the other hand, were not as impressed. We captured the sentiment of the event below.

Where would you fall on this scale? Were you impressed with the solar eclipse, or did you come away disappointed? Share your stories here. Only seven more years until our next opportunity to follow along as you follow the sun!